The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged the Federal Government in the country to give its approval to the push by the agency for it’s personnels to bear firearms while discharging their duties.
The Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu, made this known on Saturday, while inaugurating 1,762 personnel of the corps who just concluded their four month basic course at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, Niger.
According to Biu, there is the need for its personnel to bear firearms while performing their duties because of the level of security challenges faced across the country.
Biu, who was represented at the ceremony by a Deputy Corps Marshal, Shehu Zaki said that the bearing firearms will help provide adequate protection for their personnels who suffer attacks from road users and suspected criminals while performing their duties on the roads.
He said “It is left to the political leaders to arm the FRSC but what we do know is that the issue of the FRSC bearing arms has been on our status since 1992.
“What we are still waiting for is for us to be given the go ahead to start using arms.
“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 protect ourselves when the need arise.”
He also revealed that the corps has introduced martial arts into their training in order to enable their personnels to defend themselves in the course of duty whenever it becomes necessary.
He added that “This is because we have not been authorised to carry firearms, so we should be able to defend ourselves when the need arise.”
The corps marshal urged the personnel to be patriotic and exhibit the highest level of discipline, honour, integrity, accountability, transparency, courtesy, confidentiality, decency, loyalty and team spirit in discharging their duties to ensure success.
Biu said, “As we tackle the challenges of nation building and sustainable development in a complex operational environment, where you will soon face reality.
“It has therefore become imperative that, I sound a very strong caution which is aimed at protecting and preserving your lives in the cause of discharging your duties objectively.
“You must constantly abide by the regulations which guide the work ethics as you carry out your constitutional roles.
“Without this, you will be doing a lot of damage to yourself, the corps and the nation as a whole.”
