FRSC To Buy Helicopters For Patrol

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to acquire helicopters for patrol operations through a public-private partnership arrangement.

During a press conference held yesterday in Abuja to inform the public about the corps’ readiness for the upcoming ember months, Deputy Corps Marshal for Policy, Research, and Statistics, Clement Oladele, indicated that while this initiative was previously a long-term goal, preparations are now actively underway to implement it in the near future.

He mentioned plans to introduce air ambulances and drones to enhance the corps’ patrol capabilities.

Oladele reported that from January to September 2024, there were 3,767 fatalities resulting from 7,011 road traffic accidents, with 22,373 individuals sustaining injuries.

He highlighted that the Global Plan of Action for the United Nations Decade of Road Safety 2021-2030 advocates for a comprehensive, safe system approach to reduce road traffic deaths by half by the year 2030.

Naija News reports that Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stressed that road traffic accidents rank as the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and are the primary cause of mortality among youth in Africa, underscoring the necessity to protect young people for the nation’s future.

He stated that ongoing awareness campaigns would be implemented to educate drivers in parks about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Mohammed noted that this period is crucial for training corps officers on effectively managing their responsibilities during the operational exercises of the months ahead.

He also mentioned that the government is trying to repair damaged roads and potholes in preparation for the festive season through the Ministry of Works.

Deputy Corps Marshal of the Training Department, Chidiebere Nkwonta, confirmed that the corps is providing training for all relevant personnel at various levels to ensure readiness for the forthcoming ember months operations.

Regarding operational strategies, Assistant Corps Marshal Hyginus Omeje stated that speeding is the primary cause of accidents in the country, and all efforts are being mobilized to ensure a safe ember months period.

He added that additional equipment has been procured to support operational activities.