To conform to the current security situation and enhance efficiency, Nigeria has allowed road safety officials to carry firearms while discharging their duties.
However, some have lauded the move while others have heavily criticized the decision by the Nigerian government.
Salah Bala, an Abuja based security expert, says that the officers who fall under Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are exposed to criminality daily. For this reason, he thinks they should be allowed to carry pistols. He saw no harm in arming the officers considering Nigeria’s current security challenge. Notably, he urged regular training of the officers in arms handling.
Ayub Gora, the Abuja command sector commander, says the officers face overwhelming challenges when dealing with motorists on the highways. He further explained that when you stop some drivers, they either fight officers; assault officers both verbally and physically; or in some extremes, knock down the officers. He said he could not count how many officers have been killed to express the roads’ dire state of affairs.
Negak Jatua, a special corps marshal, said that arming the officers will only make them more effective in discharging their duties. He added that two heads are better than one and that the arms will help the officers face the current situation.
Bisi Kareem, the Public Relation Officer of the Corps, opted to reserve his comments, sighting that the issue is a policy matter.
Nigeria’s House Committee on Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says that they support FRSC officials’ arming. On the other hand, they state that the decision is not in the Committee’s best interest and detests it.
The issue of arming the FRSC officers is sure to continue sparking debate among most Nigerians. The West Africa country has, in most instances, made headlines for claims of police brutality. In October, the ENDSARS campaign brought to light Nigerian police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) brutality.
Whether or not the move to arm the officers are called for will remain a debate that is sure to continue to 2021.
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