The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it is not seeking
the permission of the federal government for its personnel to carry arms.
Shehu Zaki, a deputy corps marshal, who represented Dauda
Biu, the corps marshal, at a passing out parade of cadets in Kotangora, Niger
state, had reportedly said there is a need for FRSC officers to bear firearms
in discharging their duties.
He said allowing FRSC officers to carry arms would ensure
adequate protection of the personnel who are often attacked while on duty by
some road users or suspected criminals who take advantage of the security
challenges in the country.
“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,” Zaki was quoted as saying.
“We are still waiting 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
to protect ourselves when the need arises.”
But in a statement on Sunday signed by Bisi Kazeem, corps
spokesperson, the FRSC said the statement did not reflect the corp marshal’s
position or that of the management.
“The attention of the
FRSC has just been drawn to a report that the Corps Marshal is seeking the
permission of the Federal Government for the personnel of the Corps to bear
arms,” the statement reads.
“The said erroneous statement credited to the representative
of the Corps Marshal at the Passing Out Parade of Cadets at the Nigerian Army
Training Centre (NATRAC), Kotangora, Niger State, does not reflect the current
position of the Corps Marshal and the management team.
“Members of the public should therefore take note.”
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