Why our men need arms – FRSC boss

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed. Photo: FRSC

Arming the Road: A Case for Empowering FRSC Personnel

In a country where traffic violations often escalate into deadly encounters, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) finds itself at a crossroads, literally and figuratively.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, recently reignited a contentious debate during an interview on Arise News, advocating for the arming of FRSC operatives to enhance their capacity to enforce traffic laws and protect themselves on Nigeria’s increasingly perilous highways.

Mohammed painted a stark picture of the challenges his officers face daily. Stopping heavy-duty vehicles like trailers and tankers, often overloaded with passengers and livestock, is a daunting task for a patrol team of just four unarmed personnel. “How do you stop a trailer or a tanker on the road? It’s very, very difficult,” he lamented, emphasizing that without the “power of cohesion,” enforcement is nearly impossible. His argument hinges on the belief that arms would not only serve as a deterrent but also provide the necessary authority to carry out their duties effectively.

The Corps Marshal’s plea is not without precedent. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill at second reading to establish an Armed Road Safety Corps, a specialized squad within the FRSC empowered to carry weapons.

The proposal, sponsored by lawmakers Abiodun Adesida and Olaide Muhammad, seeks to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission Act of 2007. It reflects growing concern over rampant traffic violations and the alarming number of casualties among FRSC personnel. According to Mohammed, over 240 officers have died since the Corps’ inception, many of them victims of intentional hit-and-run incidents. Disturbingly, none of the perpetrators have been apprehended.

Yet, the idea of arming road safety officers has sparked intense public debate. Critics argue that introducing firearms into traffic enforcement could lead to abuse, extortion, and further militarization of civil spaces. They suggest that the FRSC should instead collaborate more closely with armed agencies like the police for high-risk operations. Mohammed counters this by clarifying that not all personnel would be armed. Only a well-trained detachment would carry weapons, primarily to respond to distress calls and intervene in volatile situations. He cited past efforts to prepare for this transition, including training programs in Jaji, Keffi, Lagos, Jos, and Enugu, and the construction of an armoury in Gwagwalada.

Beyond the arms debate, Mohammed also addressed internal challenges such as bribery and extortion. He acknowledged the problem but highlighted the FRSC’s commitment to accountability, noting that the Corps has dismissed more personnel for corruption than most other agencies. He also clarified misconceptions about driver’s licence fees and promised a more efficient licensing system by October.

Ultimately, the question remains: should traffic enforcement officers bear arms in a country grappling with both lawlessness and institutional mistrust?

Mohammed’s appeal is a call for empowerment, but it also demands a broader conversation about the role of force in civil governance and the delicate balance between authority and accountability.