By Uko Etim

UYO—The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Akwa Ibom State Command has deployed 720 personnel across major routes in the state ahead of the Eid-El-Kabir Sallah celebration to curb road crashes and ease traffic flow.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command Public Enlightenment Officer, Paul James on Tuesday in Uyo.

According to the statement, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felicia Kalu, said the deployment includes Special Marshals, 9 patrol vehicles, 2 ambulances, and a tow truck to manage traffic, respond to emergencies, and clear obstructions during the festive period on May 27 and 28, 2026.

With increased movement expected as Nigerians travel to celebrate with family and friends, Kalu warned that higher traffic volume could lead to congestion, gridlock, and crashes if road users fail to exercise caution.

“Road Safety is a shared responsibility. It is required of all to align with the Safe System Approach, which seeks to ensure a safe transportation system for all categories of road users.”

She expressed concern over the rise in wrong-way driving and other reckless practices on major routes in the state, describing them as grave dangers to motorists and pedestrians.

The Sector Commander said it would embark on special operations combining intensified enforcement and public enlightenment.

According to her, offenders caught for “driving against traffic, dangerous driving, overloading, speeding, and distracted driving will be prosecuted under Section 10 (4)(g) of the FRSC Establishment Act 2007 and Regulation 167 of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 as amended.”

Kalu said the operation aligns with the Corps’ strategic goal of achieving a 10% reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries through data-driven interventions, while ensuring free flow of traffic to support business activity in the state.

She urged motorists and commuters to obey traffic rules and report road incidents and emergencies promptly to the FRSC toll-free line, 122.