The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has thrown its weight behind the establishment of an armed squad to protect its officers during high-risk operations. This proposal is driven by the increasing number of attacks, abductions, and assaults faced by FRSC personnel.
According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, spokesperson for the commission, the armed squad would not only safeguard the corps’ facilities but also bolster the nation’s overall security framework. Ogungbemide emphasized that “firearms would not be necessary for routine patrols but crucial during emergency operations, especially in dangerous environments.”
The proposal for an armed squad is not new. A former Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, had suggested that FRSC personnel be armed due to the risks they face during operations. The House of Representatives has already passed a bill to create a special armed squad for the FRSC for second reading.
The bill, sponsored by Abiodun Adesida (Ondo) and Olaide Lateef (Oyo), seeks to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act 2007 to enhance the agency’s operations. The bill has been committed to the House Committee on FRSC for further legislation.
Ogungbemide explained that FRSC personnel work in challenging and often dangerous environments, particularly during night patrols and rescue missions. He stressed that arming FRSC officers is essential not only for their safety but also to safeguard the corps’ facilities and contribute to the broader national security framework.
The FRSC has recorded a significant number of attacks on its personnel in recent years. According to Ogungbemide, “In 2020, 15 cases of assaults and attacks on staff were reported, rising to 22 in 2021. While there were no reported cases in 2022, 2023 saw a sharp rise to 34 incidents. From January to May 2024, 10 cases of assault and attack had already been recorded”.
The proposed armed squad is expected to provide an additional layer of security for FRSC personnel during high-risk operations. This move is seen as a necessary step to protect the lives of FRSC officers and ensure the smooth operation of the corps.
The House of Representatives’ passage of the bill for second reading is a significant step towards the establishment of the armed squad. The bill’s sponsors, Abiodun Adesida and Olaide Lateef, have expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of FRSC personnel.
The FRSC’s proposal for an armed squad has been met with support from various stakeholders. Many have argued that the move is necessary to protect the lives of FRSC officers and ensure the smooth operation of the corps.
However, some have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with arming FRSC personnel. These concerns include the potential for misuse of firearms and the risk of escalating violence during confrontations.
The FRSC’s proposal for an armed squad is a necessary step to protect the lives of its personnel and ensure the smooth operation of the corps. The passage of the bill by the House of Representatives is a significant step towards the establishment of the armed squad.
