The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday launched “Operation Eagle Eye” with a warning to motorists against reckless driving during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to Hajiya Zainab Sa’idu, Head, NEMA Minna Operations Office, who flagged off the exercise in Minna, the operation is part of the agency’s readiness as emergency responder to respond to disasters during the yuletide season.
“This is by refreshing and updating our response capacity through demonstration of extrication with search and rescue practicals to equip ourselves with the right knowledge on how to rescue victims,” she said.
Sa’idu stated that the agency is collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal and State Fire Services, Nigerian Red Cross and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), to manage disasters.
She noted that disaster is everybody’s business, hence the need for collaboration with relevant stakeholders to be on alert to respond to any emergency during the yuletide.
She added that the agency is committed to having an accident-free festive celebration and advised road users to maintain a safe speed, avoid overspending and night journeys.
In his remarks, Mr Ahmed Gana, Zonal Controller, Federal Fire Service in Niger, said there is the need for disaster responders to be more dedicated and proactive in responding to emergencies.
“The road safety should liaise with traffic welders to always identify sirens and create access way for emergency providers to pass to avoid delay in response time to victims,” he said.
He appealed to the general public to always apply building code and installation of fire safety gadgets when building structures to prevent disaster.
Similarly, Mr Musa Ahmed, Sector Commander of FRSC in Niger, disclosed that the Command had deployed its personnel to various highways to control traffic and prevent accidents.
He warned road users against over-speeding and overloading to avoid accidents, adding that the Corps would continue to complement efforts of disaster response agencies.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise includes a practical demonstration of basic rescue operations, tips on how to attend to casualties in terms of disaster to save victims’ lives.