The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has put forth an urgent appeal to the government for permission to carry firearms.
The request comes in the light of increasing concerns about the safety of its personnel, who often face attacks from road users and criminals while performing their duties.
Corps Marshal Dauda Biu conveyed this plea during the inauguration of 1,762 newly trained FRSC personnel in Kontagora, Niger State, on Saturday.
Represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal Shehu Zaki, Biu stressed the necessity of arming FRSC members to ensure their protection amidst the current security challenges in the country.
The FRSC has been pursuing approval to bear arms since 1992, and the rising insecurity in Nigeria has amplified the urgency of this request.
Biu emphasized, “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 to protect ourselves when the need arises.”
While making this appeal, Biu also called on the newly trained personnel to exhibit unwavering dedication, discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, courtesy, confidentiality, decency, loyalty, and team spirit in the performance of their duties.
Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, for granting the FRSC access to the training facility and commended the army trainers for their crucial role in ensuring the success of the training exercise.
