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 Centre (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.
The decision to equip the FRSC is up to the political elite, but we do know that the matter has been on our status since 1992.
“We still need permission to begin using arms, which is what we are still waiting for.
The FRSC should start utilising weapons to enable us to defend ourselves when necessary, according to Biu, given the current state of insecurity in the nation.
To bring honour to the corps and the country, he urged the cadet officers, cadet marshal helpers, and road marshal assistants to be committed to their duty.
In order to succeed, the corps marshal emphasised on the staff the importance of being patriotic and upholding the highest standards of discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, civility, secrecy, decency, loyalty, and teamwork while performing their tasks.
As we work to construct a nation and promote sustainable development in a challenging operating setting, Biu added, “You will soon have to deal with reality.
“Therefore, it is essential that I issue a firm warning intended to protect and preserve your life in the interest of carrying out your duties impartially.
You must always follow the rules that govern work ethics while you fulfil 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.
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Earlier, Mr. Yakubu Muhammad, the camp commander, stated that there were 1,156 road marshal assistants, 402 cadet marshal inspectors, and 204 cadet officers among the commissioned staff.
According to Muhammad, the cadets and other trainees received instruction in regimental principles, physical training, and road safety management during the four-month training period.
He said that the corps has lately incorporated martial arts into its training to give its members the ability to defend themselves in the line of duty if necessary.
Muhammad explained, “This is because we haven’t been given permission to carry firearms, therefore we should be ready to protect ourselves when necessary.
Also speaking on behalf of the commissioned cadets and others was Cadet Chime Martin, General Parade Commander, who pledged to use the newfound knowledge to improve driving safety throughout the nation.
