Many Nigerians have faulted the call by Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, for the agency’s personnel to be armed to effectively enforce traffic regulations.
Speaking on ARISE News on Thursday, Mohammed argued that arming his officers might be the only way to manage the enormous risks they face on highways, particularly when confronting heavy-duty vehicles.
“How do you stop a trailer or tanker on the road? It is very difficult. A truck carrying goods, animals, and sometimes up to 100 passengers, cannot be stopped by four patrol officers,” he said.
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The FRSC chief stressed that without what he called “power of cohesion,” enforcement of traffic laws was nearly impossible.
On bribery allegations, Mohammed admitted cases of extortion exist but insisted the Corps has been more decisive than many other agencies in disciplining offenders.
“We have more records of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of bribes and corruption,” he said.
Public outcry
Despite his arguments, Mohammed’s call has been met with widespread criticism. Many Nigerians believe road safety officers should not carry arms but instead collaborate more closely with the police or civil defence, while also deploying modern technology for effective traffic management.
On X (formerly Twitter), Aloba O. Gideon wrote: “Bear arms for what exactly? There is no justification for road safety officers to carry weapons. This is misplaced. What Nigeria truly needs is a state police department, properly armed and closely monitored, to combat insecurity. At the same time, a strong oversight system must prevent abuse.”
Youth in Process (@Youthinprocess) said: “There is no need for arms when we already have police, navy, military, and air force. What is required is stronger partnerships and efficiency, not more arms.”
Damasus Udie (@du_udie) remarked: “As long as it is just paper checks and car inspections, do your job and leave guns out of it.”
On Facebook, Mujahid Isah Habib said, “Safety is their duty. Helping accident victims should be their priority. Bearing arms adds no advantage.”
Similarly, Usman Zarma said, “They don’t need arms. Rather, they should conduct joint operations with the police and civil defence. The insecurity situation is already worsening, and more guns won’t help.”
For Bashir Yusuf, the solution lies in better safety infrastructure: “What they need are ambulances and first aid boxes at as many highway points as possible, not firearms.”
Others expressed fears that arming FRSC officers could lead to further abuse of motorists.
“They are already terrorising drivers without arms. If they are now armed, innocent drivers will be lying in the morgue,” Isiaka Abdulrahman said.
Adamu Umar Mustapha described the proposal as “the silliest excuse,” asking: “You want to shoot motorists if they fail to stop? Why not use modern technology in crime detection instead?”
Other critics insist the Corps should remain focused on road safety and accident response, not law enforcement with firearms.
“FRSC should focus on safety, not weapons. Guns don’t connect with their mandate,” said Sunday Ben.
Shiku Cyprian added, “They need technology, not guns. Arming them will only create more problems for road users.”
Others raised concerns that corruption could worsen if firearms were introduced. Buharin Yobe said: “These officers are no longer doing their jobs rightly, especially along the Kano-Maiduguri highway. Giving them arms will only increase extortion.”
Mixed views in states
In Jos, Plateau State, residents were divided. Commercial driver Inusa Musa strongly opposed the idea, saying, “Giving them guns is the same as giving them permission to kill Nigerians.
“Even now, people are scared to approach them without guns. If they carry arms, they will shoot tires carelessly and cause accidents. Even with complete papers, you’re not safe in their hands.”
However, another resident, Peter Azi, supported the proposal, describing it as long overdue.
“These personnel work on federal highways, and their lives are at risk. Several officers have been killed by reckless drivers.
“Allowing them to bear arms would boost their morale and ensure enforcement. But there should be strict regulations to prevent abuse,” he said.
In Lagos, a public commentator, Dozie Martins, faulted the idea of arming FRSC personnel, describing it as outdated and dangerous.
He argued that firearms could be misused by untrained or trigger-happy personnel, and urged the adoption of modern solutions like license plate recognition systems instead of “barbaric” methods.
Adeniji Temidayo warned that giving FRSC arms would worsen traffic management challenges.
For Tunji Raji, arming road safety officers would only complicate Nigeria’s already fragile security environment. He urged the corps to “concentrate on its initial mandate and make roads safer.”
In Kaduna, Elder Tajuddeen Ajibade also backed arming the Corps, recalling how Customs officials and prison guards were once unarmed but later armed when threats escalated.
“FRSC is a paramilitary body. If threats escalate, they deserve arms like others,” he said.
Ajibade said only “decent officers” should be allowed to carry weapons, citing examples from other services.
“Civil Defence officials now bear arms. Prison guards, too. If road safety officers face dangerous situations, arming them will give them respect and deterrence,” he said.
