FRSC Deploys 1,559 Personnel for Eid-el-Kabir Patrol Operations in Sokoto
By Gbolahan Salman
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone RS10 Sokoto, comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States has concluded plans to deploy 1,559 personnel for special patrol operations ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to ensure safer roads and reduce accidents across the zone.
The Zonal Commanding Officer, ACM Shoba B. Akande, disclosed this on Monday while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Sokoto State chapter, during a courtesy visit to the zonal headquarters in Sokoto.
Akande said the special patrol operation would commence immediately after operational directives are received from the FRSC Headquarters in Abuja.
He revealed that 309 officers and 1,250 regular marshals, alongside special marshals, patrol vehicles, ambulances and other logistics, had already been earmarked for the exercise.
“Road traffic crashes kill more people than many can imagine. That is why all officers and marshals across the three sectors in the zone are on alert. There will be no pass and no leave during the coming Sallah festival,” he said.
According to him, the deployment is aimed at ensuring free flow of traffic, prompt rescue services and reduction in road traffic crashes during the festive period.
“However, a total of 309 officers and 1,250 regular marshals have been earmarked for deployment alongside special marshals, patrol vehicles, ambulances and other logistics to ensure free flow of traffic, prompt rescue services and reduction in road traffic crashes during the festive period,” Akande stated.
The Zonal Commander explained that the Corps remained committed to effective service delivery, professionalism and technology-driven road safety administration in line with the policy direction of the Corps Marshal, ACM Shehu Mohammed.
He said the policy thrust of the FRSC focuses on intelligence-led operations, automation of services, discipline, staff welfare, personnel training, public enlightenment and inter-agency collaboration.
Akande added that the Corps would continue strict enforcement against major traffic offences including speeding, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, route violations and overloading.
He appealed to motorists to comply with traffic rules during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“We appeal to motorists to avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, route violations and driving under fatigue, while passengers should caution drivers against unsafe practices,” he said.
The FRSC boss also called for the establishment of more state traffic management agencies across the country to complement the efforts of the Corps in reducing crashes and improving traffic control.
He noted that states such as Lagos, Oyo, Kano and Kaduna had already established traffic agencies that are contributing significantly to road safety management.
Akande further sought greater collaboration with journalists in promoting road safety campaigns and public awareness.
“We need more support from journalists in encouraging the FRSC to achieve its objectives and record more success stories,” he added.
He disclosed that the Corps would continue to provide 24-hour emergency response services nationwide through its toll-free emergency lines, 122 and 112.
Earlier, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Sokoto State chapter, Ankeli Emmanuel, assured the FRSC of the support of journalists in promoting safer roads in the state.
“The chapel is ready to support the organisation in achieving safer roads. Members of the chapel are fully prepared to support the organisation through real-time dissemination of information,” Emmanuel said.
