Sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara state command, Stephen Dawulung, has confirmed the deployment of 856 personnel (officers and marshals), for the Easter special patrol operations scheduled to commence from Friday, March 29 to April 2, 2024.

In a statement released by the command’s Public Education Officer O.B.Basambo, 276 Special marshals and 123 first responders would also be fully involved in the operations.

The command said that the special patrol aimed at reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries and enhancement of the free flow of traffic within Kwara state, adding that it would also involve the deployment of 42 patrol vehicles, two power bikes, four ambulances, four medium private tow trucks and one 70 ton tow-truck to ensure prompt removal of obstructions and rescue of road crash victims, amongst others.

“The special operations is necessitated by the anticipated increase in vehicular movements across road arteries in Kwara State within the Easter period and the need to address road traffic encumbrances associated with such increase in traffic.”

According to Basambo, the Sector Commander has also deployed personnel to control traffic movement in specific areas within the Ilorin metropolis and major cities in the state as a measure against traffic congestion and gridlocks.

The Sector Commander, strongly advises motorists to avoid excessive speeding, iverloading, route violation, and driving with worn-out tyres, which form the major causes of road traffic crashes.

The Sector Commander also emphasized the need for drivers to avoid night journies and take adequate rest of 30 minutes after every four-hour drive as a means of prioritizing their safety against fatigue and sleep while driving.

“The operation is highly strategic and in line with Goal 1 of Federal Road Safety Corps’ 2024 Corporate Strategic Goals which stipulates a 5% reduction in road crash fatalities and injuries.

“While wishing the good citizens and residents of Kwara state a fruitful Easter celebration, Corps Commander Dawulung reiterates the commitment of FRSC Kwara Sector Command towards achieving its mandate of creating a safe motoring environment in Kwara state.“