As the 2025 festive season reaches its peak, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom State has initiated a major operational plan to manage the anticipated surge in traffic and ensure public safety. Sector Commander Mr. Francis Ajatta announced the deployment of a significant force—783 personnel, including regular officers and Special Marshals—across critical routes and traffic corridors throughout the state.
This strategic move is a direct response to the historical pattern of the yuletide period, which is consistently characterized by a dramatic increase in both vehicular and human traffic. The influx of travelers returning home for celebrations often leads to congestion, heightened risk of accidents, and increased strain on road infrastructure. The FRSC’s preemptive deployment aims to mitigate these challenges proactively.
Comprehensive Operational Assets Deployed
Beyond personnel, the command is mobilizing a fleet of operational assets to provide a multi-layered safety net:
- 11 Patrol Vehicles: For constant visibility, surveillance, and immediate response to incidents across major highways and urban centers.
- 2 Ambulances: Positioned strategically to offer emergency medical services and reduce critical response times in the event of accidents.
- 1 Light Tow Truck: A key asset for rapid removal of broken-down vehicles or obstructions that could cause traffic snarls or secondary accidents.
Commander Ajatta emphasized that the predominant road hazards during this period are “human factors”—behaviors like speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, and driving under the influence. These are, he stressed, entirely avoidable with conscious effort and adherence to regulations.
Enhanced Enforcement and Public Appeals
The command’s strategy combines public enlightenment with firm enforcement. While awareness campaigns on road use culture continue, Mobile Courts will be operational to promptly try traffic offenders. This serves as a strong deterrent against recklessness, ensuring that legal consequences are swift.
Ajatta also made a crucial appeal to the motoring public regarding 6,108 unclaimed driver’s licenses at various licensing centers. He urged all applicants who have completed their biometric capture to collect their licenses immediately. Driving with a valid license is not only a legal requirement but also ensures the driver’s data is accessible in the national database, which is vital for verification and enforcement.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
The Sector Commander’s message was deeply personal, reminding all road users that “life has no duplicate.” He framed safety as a conscious duty to family and friends who “eagerly wait to receive and welcome us back home alive.” The ultimate goal, he noted, is for everyone to safely share the road.
Practical Advice for the Traveling Public:
- Plan Your Journey: Avoid night travel, factor in extra time for delays, and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before embarking.
- Observe Traffic Rules: Adhere to speed limits, avoid overloading, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Use the Emergency Line: The public is encouraged to report emergencies, obstructions, or reckless drivers promptly to the FRSC toll-free line: 122.
This comprehensive deployment by the FRSC Akwa Ibom Command underscores a commitment to reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Its success, however, hinges on a partnership with a responsible public committed to safe road use. As Ajatta succinctly cautioned, “only the living celebrates.”
Edited by Sandra Umeh
