The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Biu, has called for the arming of FRSC personnel to better protect officers and ensure effective enforcement of traffic laws across Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, Biu emphasized that the increasing threats faced by road safety officers demand a strategic shift in operational capacity.
“Our men are exposed daily to violent attacks while performing their lawful duties,” Biu stated. “To safeguard their lives and enforce the law with authority, it is imperative that we consider arming them.”
The FRSC boss cited multiple incidents where officers were assaulted, injured, or even killed by unruly motorists and criminal elements. He argued that the absence of defensive tools has left personnel vulnerable and undermined the Corps’ ability to maintain order on the highways.
Biu clarified that the proposal is not aimed at militarizing the FRSC but at enhancing its deterrent capability and ensuring officers can respond appropriately to life-threatening situations.
“We are not asking for arms to intimidate road users,” he added. “We are asking for protection and the ability to act decisively when lives are at risk.”
The proposal has sparked national debate, with civil society groups, lawmakers, and security experts weighing in on the implications of arming a non-military agency. The FRSC leadership has pledged to work closely with the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, and other relevant bodies to ensure that any policy shift is guided by law, training, and accountability.