The Federal Road Safety Corps has begun special patrol operations for the Eid-el-Kabir, deploying 36,000 personnel and 1,095 patrol logistics across the country.

FRSC corps marshal Shehu Mohammed said this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Mohammed said the deployment of personnel, patrol logistics and special patrol operations was pursuant to the declaration of Friday as the day of Eid-el-Kabir in Nigeria.

He stated that no fewer than 36,000 marshals would be deployed.

“About 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks and over 200 bikes would be on the road during the special operation that would begin from Thursday to June 11.

“This brings the total of patrol logistics to 1,095,” he said.

Mr Mohammed, who authorised the special operations, revealed that the mission was to ensure the free flow of traffic during and after the Sallah celebrations.

This, he said, included providing prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country, both before and after the festive period.

This, he added, as well as minimising the occurrence of road traffic crashes on the nation’s highways through effective patrol operations and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

“FRSC has a tradition of organising special patrols during festive periods as a way of averting the chaos that characterises the road during the celebrations. As such, this year’s Eid-el Kabir would not be an exemption.

“Motorists must endeavour to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the corps, but falling prey to avoidable road crashes,” stated the FRSC chief.

The corps marshal, however, appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties.

Mr Mohammed said that mobile courts would be in session across the country to ensure the prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.

The FRSC boss directed that the operatives pay first-rate attention to effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, and the use of phones while driving. He added that driver’s license violations, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles from the road, driving with expired and worn-out tyres, and driving without a spare tyre should not be neglected.

(NAN)