The National Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday inaugurated ‘Operation Eagle Eye’ in Kaduna to reduce road traffic accidents during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Suleiman Muhammad, head of operations in Kaduna, said the initiative was designed as a proactive disaster risk reduction measure to address increased human and vehicular movement during the festive period.

Mr Muhammad explained that Operation Eagle Eye was aimed at preventing road accidents where possible and reducing their impact when they occur, noting that festive seasons often bring higher road risks.

He said the operation reflected NEMA’s commitment to saving lives, reducing injuries and minimising losses associated with road crashes, adding that effective emergency management involved anticipating risks and taking preventive action.

According to him, NEMA personnel would be strategically deployed to accident-prone areas, major highways, and high-traffic corridors to enhance visibility, conduct surveillance, and provide early emergency response when required.

Mr Muhammad stressed that the operation complemented the Federal Road Safety Corps’s statutory responsibilities, which remained the lead agency for traffic management and road safety enforcement.

He said NEMA’s role focused on rapid response, coordination and support to ensure that accident victims received timely rescue and life-saving interventions through inter-agency collaboration.

Gyale Nura, superintendent route commander, Rigachikun outpost of the FRSC, commended NEMA for sustaining the operation for more than a decade and pledged continued collaboration by the FRSC in Kaduna.

Mr Gyale said that while accidents might not be completely eliminated, the shared goal of all stakeholders was to ensure that no life was lost on the roads.

Muh’d Aliyu, secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kaduna branch, reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to support emergency response and humanitarian assistance throughout the festive period.

NEMA urged road users to obey traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving and prioritise safety, while calling on sister agencies to strengthen collaboration to ensure safer roads during and beyond the festivities.

(NAN)