FRSC Push for Arms in Bid to Curb Attacks on Personnel

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is renewing its call for officers to be armed, citing a high number of casualties among its personnel.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, revealed that the agency has lost over 200 staff members since its establishment, with some being deliberately run over by motorists.

The move comes as a bill to amend the FRSC Act of 2007 is making its way through the National Assembly. The bill, which has already been approved by the House of Representatives and is now awaiting Senate concurrence, seeks to grant the corps the power to bear arms.

Mr. Mohammed, speaking on the need for the legislation, stressed that arming a special, well-trained squad of officers is necessary for their protection on the roads.

He noted that these officers often face “mayhem” and that arming them would enable a quick response to distress calls from their unarmed colleagues.

While acknowledging public concerns about the prospect of armed road safety operatives, the Corps Marshal emphasised that not all personnel would be armed. He said the agency had already taken proactive steps by training some staff and building an armoury in preparation for the new law. He also assured the public that the FRSC is working to improve the civility of its officers in their interactions with citizens.