The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has condemned the armed attack on its operatives by an officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) during a routine traffic enforcement operation in Abuja.
The incident, which happened on Thursday at about 3:20pm at the RS7.118 Idu Unit Command, involved a motorist driving a Toyota Carina who allegedly refused to obey traffic officials and later opened fire during an altercation with officers.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Corps image maker, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the enforcement team had flagged down the driver over a suspected traffic violation.
Instead of complying with lawful directives, the driver reportedly “refused to stop and proceeded dangerously until he was eventually held up by traffic close to the Command.”
Osondu said when FRSC operatives approached the motorist for routine checks of vehicle and driver documents, the suspect became hostile and resisted lawful enforcement procedures.
“Despite several tactical and professional attempts by FRSC personnel to de-escalate the situation, the offender escalated the confrontation by physically advancing toward officers and later drawing a pistol, which he fired twice within the vicinity of the Command,” the statement added.
The Corps said its personnel acted with restraint and professionalism in the face of danger, successfully disarming the suspect without any loss of life.
“In the face of imminent danger to lives and property, FRSC personnel acted with remarkable restraint, professionalism, and tactical discipline to swiftly disarm the assailant without loss of life,” the statement noted, adding that one road marshal sustained minor bruises during the incident.
The statement further added that the suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Life Camp Police Station alongside the firearm, ammunition components, and the vehicle involved.
Preliminary findings later identified the suspect as a personnel of the DSS, while the matter has been transferred to the appropriate State Command for further investigation.
While reacting to the development, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and maturity despite the tense situation and public outrage at the scene.
“He further stated unequivocally that no individual, regardless of status, rank, or agency affiliation, is above the law,” the statement said.
The Corps Marshal also stressed that security personnel must lead by example by obeying traffic laws and respecting constituted authority.
“Firearms and official status must never be used as instruments of intimidation against law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate duties,” he said.
The FRSC called on security agencies across the country to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, mutual respect, and operational discipline in the interest of national security and public safety.
