By Isaiah Eka
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has launched ‘Operation Eagle Eye’ in Uyo as part of the agency’s contributions to ensure crash free yuletide in Akwa Ibom.
The Head of NEMA, Uyo Operations Office, Mrs Mmandu Aisuein, described the initiative as a special exercise conducted during the yuletide, to reduce road crashes.
Aisuein said that the operation was designed to sensitise motorists and commuters in the state, on the dangers of speeding and reckless driving.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise which commenced on Thursday at the Uyo operation office, took the team to Calabar–Itu highway, a critical corridor with high volume of traffic, and which links Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
Operation Eagle Eye is an annual NEMA initiative, designed to complement the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security and emergency response agencies through personnel deployment, inter-agency coordination, and strengthened rapid-response mechanisms during the peak period.
“The exercise commenced with an official flag-off ceremony at the NEMA Uyo Operations Office, led by the Head of Operations, Mrs Mmandu Aisueni.
“The team then proceeded to the operational location on the Calabar-Itu highway, where they intervened in collaboration with FRSC officials of the Akwa Ibom State Command to ease the traffic congestion.
“Both teams jointly coordinated traffic control, assisted motorists, and ensured the free flow of traffic,” she said.
She said that during the patrol, a road traffic crash involving a Toyota Sienna vehicle and a motorcycle was recorded, resulting in one casualty who sustained severe leg injury.
According to her, NEMA personnel promptly administered first aid and facilitated evacuation of the injured victim to Itam health centre, in Itu LGA of the state for further medical attention.
The NEMA official added that the Operation Eagle Eye activities would last for the yuletide period, to facilitate free flow of traffic in the state. NAN
