Uncertainty: FRSC requests FG's approval to carry weapons

Given the magnitude of security issues present nationwide, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) claims that its employees must carry firearms while doing their jobs.

This was announced by the Corps Marshal, Mr. Dauda Biu, on Saturday at the inauguration of 1,762 corps members who had recently finished a four-month basic training course at the Nigerian Army Training Center (NATRAC), Kontagora, Niger.

Shehu Zaki, a Deputy Corps Marshal who was standing in for Biu, claimed that the action would offer proper protection for the personnel who are frequently attacked while on duty by some road users or alleged criminals who take advantage of the country's security issues.

It is left to the political leaders to arm the FRSC, but what we do know is that the issue of the FRSC bearing arms has been on our status since 1992.

“What we are still waiting for is for us to be given the go ahead to start using arms.

“Right now, looking at the level of insecurity in the country, it is not out of place for the FRSC to start using arms to enable us protect ourselves when the need arise,” Biu said.

He, however, urged the cadets officers, cadet marshal assistants and road marshal assistants to be dedicated to their duties towards bringing glory to the corps and the nation.

The corps marshal urged the personnel to be patriotic and exhibit the highest level of discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, courtesy, confidentiality, decency, loyalty and team spirit in discharging their duties to ensure success.

Biu said, “As we tackle the challenges of nation building and sustainable development in a complex operational environment, where you will soon face reality.

“It has therefore become imperative that, I sound a very strong caution which is aimed at protecting and preserving your lives in the cause of discharging your duties objectively.

You must always uphold the rules that govern work ethics as you fulfill your constitutional responsibilities.

Without it, you'll be hurting your reputation, the corps, and the country as a whole.

He thanked Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, for sanctioning the use of the training facility and praised the army instructors for their role in making the exercise successful.