FRSC Deploys Nationwide Easter Special Patrol Operations to Enhance Road Safety from April 16–23, 2024.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has officially announced the commencement of its 2024 Easter Special Patrol Operations, scheduled to run from Tuesday, April 16 to Tuesday, April 23, 2024 across all major highways in Nigeria. In a directive issued by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, all Commanding Officers have been instructed to ensure full deployment of personnel and logistics to enhance visibility, promptly remove road obstructions, and guarantee free movement of vehicles.
Objectives of the FRSC 2024 Easter Special Patrol Operations
According to the Operation Order, the main objectives of the Easter patrol operations include:
Reduction of road traffic crashes and associated fatalities or injuries.
Swift response to crash victims to ensure timely medical attention.
Seamless public education campaigns on road safety and responsible driving behavior.
Prompt clearance of obstructions to prevent traffic congestion.
Effective monitoring and enforcement of traffic laws.
Strategy and Implementation
To meet the goals of the special Easter operations, the Corps will implement a multi-faceted approach, which includes:
Comprehensive public education and sensitization campaigns targeting motorists and commuters nationwide.
Increased surveillance and highway monitoring to deter reckless and unprofessional driving behavior.
Intensive patrol operations for proactive traffic management and enforcement of road safety regulations.
Deployment of monitoring teams and situation reports to facilitate coordinated nationwide response.
Key Offences Targeted During the Operation
The FRSC will be aggressively enforcing traffic laws and operating over 200 Mobile Courts to prosecute offenders on the spot. The following traffic violations will be strictly addressed:
1. Speeding and dangerous driving/overtaking
2. Lane indiscipline and route violations
3. Road obstructions
4. Use of mobile phones while driving
5. Vehicle overloading
6. Non-use of seatbelts and child restraints
7. Violations related to passenger manifests
8. Operation of mechanically defective and rickety vehicles
9. Improper latching and twist-lock usage on cargo vehicles
Deployment of Logistics and Equipment
To support these operations, the FRSC is mobilizing extensive logistics, including:
- 743 patrol vehicles
- 184 administrative vehicles
- 92 ambulances
- 23 tow trucks
- 144 motorbikes
Additionally, the following equipment and tools will be used:
- Reflective jackets
- Traffic cones
- Tyre pressure gauges
- Digital breathalyzers
- Extricating machines
Support Infrastructure
The Corps has also set up crucial operational support points to improve effectiveness, including:
- 23 dedicated Help Areas for obstruction removal and emergency rescue
- 15 traffic control camps targeting identified gridlock-prone areas for 24/7 monitoring
- A Central Situation Room at the National Headquarters to process and disseminate real-time information
- 28 Road Traffic Crash Clinics and 53 Zebra Points along major routes, fully equipped with 92 ambulances for emergency response
Inter-agency Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
To ensure a seamless and secure operation, Corps Marshal Mohammed has directed Commanding Officers to collaborate with key stakeholders within their jurisdictions. These include:
- Military formations and the Nigeria Police Force
- Department of State Services (DSS)
- Nigeria Immigration Service
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Federal Ministry of Works and Housing
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
- State Traffic Management Agencies and NGO Ambulance Providers
- National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNES)
- Federal Road Maintenance Agencies (FERMA)
- Federal Fire Service
Call for Public Cooperation
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed has expressed confidence in the success of the operations and appealed to the Nigerian public for cooperation. He emphasized the need for motorists, commuters, and road users to comply with safety regulations and support FRSC officials, partner security agencies, and volunteers working to ensure a smooth and safe Easter travel experience.