The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched “Operation Eagle Eye” in Uyo as part of efforts to ensure a crash-free yuletide in Akwa Ibom State.
The Head of NEMA’s Uyo Operations Office, Mrs Mmandu Aisuein, said the initiative is a special exercise conducted during the festive season to reduce road traffic crashes.
Aisuein explained that the operation is designed to sensitise motorists and commuters on the dangers of speeding and reckless driving. The exercise, which commenced on Thursday at the NEMA Uyo Operations Office, took the team to the Calabar–Itu highway, a major traffic corridor linking Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
She described Operation Eagle Eye as an annual NEMA initiative aimed at complementing 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 peak travel periods.
According to her, the exercise began with an official flag-off ceremony at the NEMA Uyo Operations Office before the team moved to the Calabar–Itu highway, where they worked alongside FRSC officials of the Akwa Ibom State Command to ease traffic congestion.
“Both teams jointly coordinated traffic control, assisted motorists and ensured the free flow of traffic along the route,” she said.
Aisuein disclosed that during the patrol, a road traffic crash involving a Toyota Sienna vehicle and a motorcycle occurred, resulting in one casualty who sustained a severe leg injury.
She said NEMA personnel promptly administered first aid and facilitated the evacuation of the injured victim to Itam Health Centre in Itu Local Government Area for further medical attention.
The NEMA official added that Operation Eagle Eye would run throughout the yuletide period to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance road safety across the state.