A good number of stakeholders in Nigeria’s road transport sector, have expressed support for the creation of a special armed squad for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The stakeholders during the public hearing on a bill seeking to amendment the FRSC Act, 2007 which will also allow establishment of the special squad, on Wednesday in Abuja said the bill should be speedily passed without sentiments, as it was long overdue.
However, 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.
Pioneer Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Gen. Baba Hanania (rtd) appreciated the House for the courage to introduce the bill seeking special armed squad.
“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”, he said.
A retired Deputy Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Kayode Olagunju, who recalled how hoodlums invaded his home while he tried to stop number plates fraud in Lagos the abdomen said, “I was just lucky to survive. That was possibk 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 who went to rescue accident victims in Numan were attacked on its way back by Okada mob which blamed the officers for causing the road crash.
“I had to rely on sister security agencies”, he said.
But Comrade Frank Uche of NURTW said, “It is our view that the armed squad will duplicate the functions of the police which already has 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 that “If they have to be armed, it should not be in the enforcement of their daily assigned duties, unless it is just to protect personnel, equipment and offices”.
Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, the 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.
“In addition to the non-kinetic support contributed by FRSC to counter-insurgency operations, empowering the Corps with an armed squad could extensively deter criminal activities on our highways thus improving safety and security in Nigeria”, he stated.
Earlier his welcome remarks, Chairman of the House of Committee on the Federal Road Safety Commission, Hon. Abiodun Adesida, said the hearing marks a pivotal moment in the drive to reposition the FRSC, adding that as the country continue to evolve so were also the need to brace up with innovations.
