The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, says giving firearms to road safety personnel may be the only realistic solution to enforcing traffic laws on Nigeria’s highways.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Mohammed highlighted the dangers and limitations his operatives face when confronting reckless drivers, particularly those driving heavy-duty trucks.
“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 Corps Marshal argued that without what he called “power of cohesion,” effective enforcement would remain out of reach.
“It will support. If you don’t have the power to enforce anything, there’s no way you can achieve that enforcement,” he explained when pressed on whether arming personnel would make a difference.
Mohammed also addressed widespread criticism of the agency over bribery and extortion by some of its officials, allegations that often dominate social media conversations.
While acknowledging the problem, he stressed that the FRSC has been tougher than most agencies in disciplining corrupt officers.
“We have more record of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of bribe and corruption,” he noted, adding that the Corps maintains a strict standard operating procedure to curb misconduct.
On the issue of driver’s licence fees, the FRSC boss sought to reassure the public that the charges remain unchanged despite claims 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 said.
He apologised to Nigerians for the frustrations surrounding licence processing and promised a smoother system soon.
“In the first and second week of October, they will see an enhanced driver’s licence and a successful and efficient service delivery,” Mohammed assured.
The debate over arming road safety officers is not new. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill for second reading seeking to create an Armed Road Safety Corps, a special squad under the FRSC that would carry weapons to enforce laws more decisively.
Supporters argue such a move is necessary to confront rampant traffic violations and deadly road accidents, while critics warn it could fuel extortion, intimidation, and further militarisation of road enforcement.
Public opinion, however, appears largely against the idea. A PUNCH Online poll in October 2024 revealed that more than 90 percent of respondents rejected the proposal.
Transport unions and civic groups also cautioned that giving FRSC officials arms could open the door to abuse.
For Mohammed, the goal remains clear: securing the tools his men need to deliver on their mandate.
“Road safety will continue to deliver its mandate as enshrined in the FRSC Act,” he concluded.
