The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has renewed calls for road safety operatives to be armed, arguing that it may be the only way to effectively enforce traffic laws on Nigerian highways.
Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Mohammed highlighted the dangers and limitations his personnel face when confronting heavy-duty vehicles.
“How do you stop a trailer or a tanker on the road? How do you just do that? It’s very, very difficult. A truck, especially one carrying over 100 passengers and animals, against a patrol team of just four officers, how do you stop that?” he asked.
He maintained that without adequate “power of cohesion,” enforcement remains extremely challenging.
“If you don’t have the power to enforce, there’s no way you can achieve enforcement,” he said, when asked whether arming operatives would make a difference.
On issues of misconduct, Mohammed acknowledged allegations of bribery and extortion by some operatives, which often trend on social media. He, however, insisted that the FRSC has been firm in sanctioning erring personnel.
“We have more records of termination and dismissal of personnel for bribery and corruption than many agencies,” he stated, noting that the Corps enforces a strict standard operating procedure to curb misconduct.
Addressing concerns over driver’s licence fees, the Corps Marshal clarified that the official rates remain unchanged.
“For three years, it is ₦15,000. For five years, it is ₦21,000. It’s still the same amount,” he said.
He apologised to Nigerians for the delays in licence processing, assuring that an upgraded and more efficient system will be launched soon.
“In the first and second week of October, they will see an enhanced driver’s licence and a more effective service delivery,” he promised.
The debate over arming FRSC operatives is not new. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill at second reading seeking to establish an Armed Road Safety Corps—a special squad within the FRSC with the mandate to carry weapons and enforce road safety laws more robustly.
While proponents argue that such a unit would help curb reckless driving and enhance safety on highways, critics warn of possible abuse, extortion, and further militarisation of road policing.
A public poll conducted in October 2024 by PUNCH Online revealed that over 90 percent of respondents opposed the proposal, with transport unions and civic groups cautioning that arming road safety officials could worsen public mistrust.
For now, Mohammed insists the FRSC remains committed to its statutory mandate.
“Road Safety will continue to deliver its responsibilities as enshrined in the FRSC Act,” he affirmed.
