The debate over how to effectively enforce traffic laws in Nigeria has taken a new turn following a statement by the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed. He suggested that arming road safety operatives might be the only way to ensure proper law enforcement on the nation’s highways.
Mohammed’s remarks have sparked a nationwide conversation on the challenges confronting FRSC officials. From motorists who resist compliance to violent attacks on officers, the reality on Nigeria’s roads has raised concerns about whether unarmed operatives can still operate safely. His comments highlight the growing tension between the demand for stricter enforcement and fears about turning a civic-oriented body into an armed one.
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Why the Debate Over Arming FRSC Officers Matters
Since its creation in 1988, the Federal Road Safety Corps has focused on curbing accidents, educating drivers, and promoting a culture of safety. Unlike the police or military, FRSC operatives were never armed. Instead, they depended on public engagement, fines, and support from security agencies.
But with rising traffic violations and growing cases of assault, many officers have faced harassment, physical harm, and even death while performing their duties. For the Corps Marshal, the current tools at their disposal may no longer be enough to keep both the officers and the highways safe.
The Corps Marshal’s Position
Speaking at a recent event, Mohammed stressed that the safety and authority of FRSC operatives are under serious threat. He noted that many officers have been injured, maimed, or killed while attempting to stop reckless drivers or enforce road laws.
“We cannot continue to deploy unarmed men and women to the highways where they face violent resistance from armed motorists or criminally minded individuals. Arming them may be the only option left if we want effective enforcement of traffic laws in Nigeria,” Mohammed said.
While FRSC’s primary role has been traffic management, Mohammed pointed out that Nigeria’s highways have become more dangerous. He argued that officers confronting daily threats cannot carry out their responsibilities effectively without some level of protection.
Rising Violence Against FRSC Officials
Over the years, multiple reports have documented disturbing incidents of motorists resisting arrest, assaulting officers, or fleeing traffic stops. Some encounters have turned deadly.
One example was in 2019, when an FRSC operative was killed in Abuja after being run over by a motorist evading arrest. Similar tragedies have occurred in Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, and other states. These cases underline the vulnerability of unarmed road safety personnel, particularly in a country where lawlessness on the roads is widespread.
Public Reaction: Mixed Opinions
The proposal to arm FRSC operatives has split public opinion.
Support for the Idea
Supporters believe the worsening lawlessness on highways makes arming officers necessary. They argue that firearms could discourage violent motorists, reduce resistance, and restore respect for FRSC personnel. They also point to agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which have incorporated firearms into their operations while retaining civilian functions.
“FRSC officers face threats every day, yet they are expected to control traffic with nothing but their uniforms and notebooks. Giving them firearms might be the only way to reduce the violence,” a commercial driver in Lagos told reporters.
Opposition to the Proposal
Opponents warn that arming FRSC could erode public trust, fuel abuse of power, and increase the risk of extrajudicial killings. Nigerians already have deep concerns about how armed law enforcement officers handle firearms, citing past cases of brutality.
Civil society groups have echoed these concerns. “Arming FRSC operatives is not the solution. What Nigeria needs is better training, technology-driven enforcement, and collaboration with the police. Putting guns in the hands of road marshals could worsen the situation,” said a spokesperson for a road safety advocacy organization.
International Comparisons
Globally, road safety agencies are rarely armed. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada rely heavily on technology such as speed cameras, digital ticketing, and CCTV surveillance instead of firearms.
However, in nations with high security risks, some traffic enforcement agencies do carry weapons under strict regulations. This raises the question: should Nigeria follow the global model of unarmed enforcement, or adapt to its unique security environment?
Alternatives to Arming FRSC
While Mohammed’s proposal has sparked heated debate, experts insist there are alternatives:
- Technology-Driven Enforcement: Expanding the use of speed cameras, automatic number plate recognition, and electronic ticketing to reduce direct confrontation.
- Closer Collaboration with Police: Ensuring armed police officers accompany FRSC personnel during risky operations.
- Legal Reforms: Stronger penalties for assaulting FRSC officials, backed by quick judicial processes.
- Public Education: Sustained campaigns to promote road safety awareness and reduce hostility toward enforcement officers.
Implications for Motorists
If FRSC operatives were armed, it could reshape interactions during traffic stops. Some drivers may become more compliant, while others fear that intimidation or abuse could rise. Commercial drivers, often at the center of confrontations, are particularly divided. Private motorists also argue that better infrastructure, signage, and driver education might be more effective than putting guns in officers’ hands.
Nigeria’s Road Safety Crisis
Nigeria has one of the highest rates of road accidents in Africa. Thousands of lives are lost every year due to reckless driving, speeding, poor infrastructure, and weak compliance. While enforcement is important, experts stress that arming FRSC officials may only address part of the problem. Without fixing systemic issues like bad roads, poor vehicle maintenance, and lack of driver training, the crisis will continue.
What Happens Next?
Mohammed’s comments are expected to spark debate at the federal level. Any move to arm FRSC operatives would require legislative approval and collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the National Assembly. Whether the government will take this bold step remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The call by FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed to arm road safety officers is one of the most controversial proposals in the agency’s history. It underscores the risks faced daily by officials tasked with keeping Nigeria’s highways safe. While some see it as necessary, others view it as a dangerous path that could compromise civil trust.
As Nigeria grapples with rising road accidents and lawlessness, the government faces a critical choice: arm FRSC operatives or invest in alternative strategies that strengthen enforcement without firearms. Whichever path is chosen, the debate has already forced the nation to confront the hard realities of road safety and the sacrifices of those who enforce it.