The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has stated that arming operatives may be the most effective way to enforce traffic laws on Nigeria’s highways.
Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Mohammed highlighted the risks his men face daily, particularly when attempting to stop 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 a truck with probably 100 passengers on top, with animals, and you only have four personnel as a team on patrol, and trying to stop a trailer, how do you do that?” he asked.
The FRSC boss maintained that enforcement without adequate “power of cohesion” was nearly impossible.
“It will support. If you don’t have the power to enforce anything, there’s no way you can achieve that enforcement,” he said, when asked if arming FRSC personnel would aid operations.
Mohammed also addressed recurring allegations of extortion and bribery by FRSC operatives, often amplified on social media.
He admitted that corruption was a challenge but insisted the Corps had one of the strictest disciplinary records among government agencies.
“We have more record of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of bribe and corruption,” he said, stressing that the FRSC operates a standing standard operating procedure to check misconduct.
The Corps Marshal also clarified driver’s licence charges, amid complaints of overbilling.
“For three years, it’s ₦15,000. For five years, it’s ₦21,000. It’s still the same figure, the same amount,” he explained.
Mohammed apologised to Nigerians for the stress of processing licences, promising that a new, improved system would be rolled out soon.
“In the first and second week of October, they will see an enhanced driver’s licence and a successful and efficient service delivery,” he assured.
The proposal to arm FRSC officers is not a new one. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill at second reading to establish an Armed Road Safety Corps, a specialised squad with powers to carry weapons and enforce road laws.
While proponents argue it will check reckless driving and road massacres, opponents fear abuse, extortion, intimidation, and the militarisation of road policing.
For now, Mohammed said the Corps would continue to push for tools that make its work easier.
“Road safety will continue to deliver its mandate as enshrined in the FRSC Act,” he declared.
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