The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has made a strong case for why the agency’s personnel should be armed, citing the challenges they face in enforcing traffic laws and the risks to their safety.
Speaking on Arise News, Mohammed painted a vivid picture of the difficulties his officers encounter on Nigerian highways. He highlighted the near impossibility of stopping heavy-duty vehicles like trailers and tankers, especially when they are overloaded with passengers or goods. He argued that without the “power of cohesion” that comes with being armed, effective enforcement is nearly impossible.
The Corps Marshal also addressed the issue of safety for his personnel. He revealed that over 200 FRSC officers have been killed since the inception of the corps, with many being intentionally run down by errant motorists. He emphasized that arming a select, well-trained squad of officers would provide them with the necessary means to protect themselves and their colleagues during dangerous operations.
The move to arm FRSC officers is not a new idea. There is currently a bill before the National Assembly to amend the FRSC Act of 2007 to empower a specialized armed squad within the corps. The bill has already passed its second reading in the House of Representatives and is now awaiting concurrence from the Senate.
However, the proposal has been met with opposition from a significant portion of the public, who fear that arming FRSC officials could lead to abuse, extortion, and further militarization of road policing. Transport unions and civil groups have also voiced their concerns, but Mohammed insists that the measure is necessary for the safety of his men and to ensure the effective discharge of their duties.
