The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has suggested that allowing personnel to carry arms may be necessary to properly enforce traffic laws on Nigeria’s highways.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday, Mohammed highlighted the serious dangers road safety officers face daily, particularly when dealing with large and overloaded vehicles.
He raised concerns about the limitations of current patrol teams when faced with massive trucks and trailers, many of which carry goods, animals, and even passengers.
“How do you stop a trailer or a tanker on the road? It is very difficult. A truck, especially one with up to 100 passengers on top with animals, and you only have four personnel on patrol, how do you stop that?” he asked.
Mohammed emphasized that the absence of what he described as the “power of cohesion” hinders proper enforcement of road safety regulations.
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“If you don’t have the power to enforce anything, there is no way you can achieve that enforcement,” he stated when asked if arming FRSC officials would make a difference.
Addressing public concerns about corruption within the agency, Mohammed acknowledged that some officials have been involved in bribery and extortion but said the Corps has taken a tough stance on such misconduct.
“We have more records of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of bribes and corruption,” he said, stressing that the FRSC enforces strict internal disciplinary measures.
Regarding complaints over the cost of driver’s licences, he clarified that the official charges have not changed:
“For three years, it is ₦15,000. For five years, it is ₦21,000. It is still the same figure, the same amount,” he noted.
Mohammed also apologised to Nigerians for delays and challenges in licence processing, promising improvements.
“In the first and second week of October, they will see an enhanced driver’s licence and a more efficient service delivery,” he assured.
