By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
The question has been re-occurring and different perspectives have been postulated. That is, should personnel of FRSC be allowed to carry arms.
The debate has remains contentious and complex. And different reasons are being given but the truth is that there is indeed every reason to justify the road safety personnel to carry arms.
This piece, however, will X-ray the advantages of allowing them to carry arms.
Let’s look at it this way. Do similar organizations in other climes carry guns.
The global best practices are found in the case of
Australian Highway Patrol. They are armed, but with strict guidelines and training. While as for
US Highway Patrol. They are also armed, but with varying state regulations. Same for South Africa.
However, the decision to arm FRSC personnel requires careful consideration of Nigeria’s unique context, international best practices, and potential consequences.
In response to public concerns, the FRSC Corps Marshal Mohammed Shehu did clarify the intent behind the amendment, which is before the National Assembly.
According to him, the request is not for all road safety personnel but that the proposed armed squad would be strictly for protection of FRSC property and personnel, not for use in routine traffic enforcement.
According to him, “This is a very delicate matter. In our Act ab initio, there is a provision and emphasis to have and to hold arms. We are not asking for arms to do enforcement. We are asking for just a squad like other paramilitary, (Customs, Immigration , NSCDC) and the idea is to protect our infrastructure and our facilities.”
Shehu’s comments highlight the FRSC’s concern for security in light of recent threats to public infrastructure across the country.
However, public response has remained skeptical, as expected though, with many Nigerians questioning whether this expansion of the FRSC’s mandate is necessary and if it will not increase abuse and misuse of power.
Indeed, the proposed FRSC armed squad, which is before the National Assembly, raises significant questions about the future of road safety and security in Nigeria.
One major reason, which is critical, why the armed squad is required is the risk faced during night rescue. To safe others, your safety must be guaranteed too.
It will be recalled that the losses incurred during Endsars protest and injuries sustained by personnel were in billions of naira in taxpayers money; with series of assaults and adoption of these innocent operatives with impunity.
Some motoring public are comfortable with FRSC operatives without arms because they enjoy their vulnerability which accommodates their lawlessness.
While proponents argue that the bill would enhance the FRSC’s capacity to protect its personnel and infrastructure, opponents worry it could lead to more abuse and harassment of citizens on Nigerian roads.
Arguments for it further submit that to carry arms, it will enhance security; that is providing FRSC personnel with necessary protection while enforcing traffic laws, especially in high-risk areas.
The mere fact that they are seen with arms will act as a deterrent and will make the visible firearms deter violent attacks on FRSC officials.
The effective enforcement would enable FRSC to effectively enforce traffic laws, particularly against recalcitrant offenders.
As earlier highlighted some road safety agencies worldwide, like the US Highway Patrol, carry firearms.
But then, those opposed to their carrying arms believe that FRSC primary role is road safety, not law enforcement or combat.
In this sense, public fears align with a broader global shift towards non-militarized, technology-driven road safety initiatives is not in doubt.
But then other agencies that are legally allowed to carry arms like police and civil defense do have accidental discharge and abuse sometimes, but that has not stopped them from carrying arms.
Those against also believe that there is a risk that could lead to increased violence and accidents.
They also argued that for them to carry arms will involve extensive training and oversight for the personnel to handle firearms responsibly.
That is not new, after all both police and other agencies carrying arms go for training as well.
Not done yet , they also believe accidental discharge or misuse of firearms could harm civilians. We have records of both police and civil defense personnel involved in such acts as well and that has not stopped them from using arms.
Still, many Nigerians worry that this expansion of authority could lead to abuse of power, intimidation, and potentially violence, especially considering Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges.
All these notwithstanding, in the meantime, for the proposal to be given consideration, there is need to amend FRSC Act to explicitly authorize firearms use.
There must be a clear guidelines for firearms deployment and establish independent investigation mechanisms.
There is need to strengthen training and accountability measures.
The challenge for the FRSC, will be to uphold restraint, professionalism, and accountability in managing this expanded authority.
Policymakers and citizens alike must weigh whether the potential security benefits of an armed squad genuinely outweigh the risks to public trust, safety, and the core mission of Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps.
One fact remains that FRSC can use arms and it will be in the interest of both the Corps and the road users.
FRSC need to collaborate with relevant stakeholders (e.g., Police, Human Rights Commission) by developing comprehensive policies and procedures.
The FRSC’s statutory functions, outlined in Part One of the Act, section 5(h), focus on making Nigeria’s highways safer through vehicle registration, driver’s licensing, ensuring vehicle roadworthiness, and enforcing the highway code.
Furthermore, sections 5(i) and 5(j) underscore the FRSC’s role in providing emergency response services.
These sections mandate the FRSC to establish roadside clinics and ambulance services, offering free medical treatment for accident victims to protect lives.
Section 14 of the FRSC Act outlines the equipment FRSC officers are permitted to use, including uniforms, communication gadgets, motor vehicles, and medical supplies.
However, Part Two, Section 19, does provide a conditional right for FRSC officials to bear arms in high-security-risk areas, acknowledging the need to protect officials in certain extreme environments.
It is without doubt that the Federal Road Safety Corps has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s road safety infrastructure, focusing on traffic regulation, accident response, and driver education.
However, without legal backing, (hence the bill at the National Assembly), unauthorized use of firearms, FRSC personnel may face prosecution for unauthorized firearms use.
Without the passage into law, accidental discharge; FRSC may be liable for injuries or fatalities resulting from accidental discharge.
Nigerian courts have established precedents on firearms use and accountability.
Without doubt whatsoever, for enhanced security, some motorists might feel safer with armed FRSC officials, particularly on high-risk routes.
Visible firearms could reduce reckless driving and disobedience.
Effective enforcement; armed FRSC officials might be more effective in enforcing traffic laws.
To address motorists’ concerns, FRSC can develop clear guidelines for armed personnel.
Provide extensive training on firearms handling and de-escalation techniques.
Establish transparent complaint mechanisms.
Engage in public awareness campaigns.
Personnel Screening and Evaluation, the FRSC need background checks: Conduct thorough background checks before issuing firearms.
Get Medical evaluation: Regular medical checks for personnel handling firearms.
Performance monitoring: Evaluate personnel’s fitness for firearms handling.
Community Engagement and Education: Public awareness campaigns: Educate motorists on FRSC’s firearms policy and procedures.
Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with motorists, transport unions, and communities.
Complaint mechanisms: Establish channels for reporting misconduct or concerns.
For it to succeed, FRSC should seek International Cooperation such as studying international best practices: Collaborate with road safety agencies worldwide.
Participate in global forums: Share experiences, learn from others.
All said and done, it is clear therefore that the proposed armed squad be allowed as the best time for it is now.
Abdul wrote in from abuja via [email protected]
