Mixed reactions as Reps mulls armed squad for FRSC

By Bello Hassan 

Stakeholders in the Road Transport Sector Thursday expressed divergent views on the creation of a special armed squad for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Supporters of the special squad during a public hearing on a bill seeking to amendment sections of the FRSC Act, 2007 said the bill should be speedily passed without sentiments, as it was long overdue.

On its part, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) and the National Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, (NACTOMORAS) expressed reservations on the bill, insisting that the core mandate of the FRSC does not require its personnel to be armed.

According to the Pioneer Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Gen. Baba Hanania (rtd) “Let us remove sentiments and emotions from our considerations, and ensure that we support the move by the House to protect personnel of the FRSC and their property.”

Former Chairman of the governing board of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mallam Buhari Bello, Mr. Sule Usman, SAN, in their separate submissions expressed support for all the proposed amendments, urging speedy passage of the bill for them to bring the benefits to bear in time.

A clear indication of aggregates of the views expressed at the hearing indicate that supporters of the armed squad for the FRSC are more concerned about the safety of personnel lives and equipments, rather than for core operational uses.

Others expressed reservations based on perceived excesses by road Marshalls, especially those that operate in towns and less volatile areas.

A retired Deputy Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Kayode Olagunju, recalled how hoodlums invaded his home while he tried to stop number plate’s fraud in Lagos, “I was just lucky to survive. That was possible because of inadequate protection of an officer”, he stated, adding that the argument of proliferation or accidental discharge would not be issue when the personnel are properly trained.

Another retired Deputy Corps Marshall, Charles Akpabio, recalled how as a zonal commander, his patrol team from Adamawa that went to rescue accident victims in Numan were attacked on its way back by a gang. “I had to rely on sister security agencies. Only the presence of Army and DSS team prevented them from burning me and my personnel. There need for a special armed squad to protect our facilities and personnel, however, there must be rules of engagement”, he stated.

Representative of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Dr. Kassim Ibrahim expressed total support of all the proposed amendments, saying “a robust and effective FRSC is a necessity. It is very important to protect the lives of officers and facilities”, he said.

Also from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Atiku Ahmed said after studying the rationale for the amendments and benefits, there are sufficient reasons for the creation of armed squad as a necessary measure to reduce the burden of other agencies.

But Comrade Frank Uche of NURTW said “It is our view that the armed squad will duplicate the functions of the police which already have the clear mandate of security lives. To avoid conflict of interest, care must be taken. Also, the potential for abuse is high, especially in view of the rising tension because of the economic situation in the country”.

Mohammed Sani Hasaan of NACTOMORAS also observed the only objection to arm suqd was that the work usually done by FRSC personnel are in civilians dominated areas. “If they have to be armed, it should not be in the enforcement of their daily assignments, unless it is just to protect personnel, equipment and offices”, he said.

Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed said FRSC operatives have often been killed, maimed and molested by criminals while on rescue missions, adding that road safety law enforcements agents all over the world are all armed for security and safety purposes.          

Reach an audience of millions.
For advert enquiries, please contact us on: 
Phone: 08050220674 | 09121408785
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]