FRSC push to bear arms slammed as ‘misplaced priority’ – Activist Agberen

Human rights activist, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, has strongly criticised the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) over its call to be allowed to carry firearms, describing the demand as “a misplaced priority” that betrays “a misunderstanding of what true road safety is.”

In a statement issued in Warri on Monday, Agberen argued that arming road safety personnel would fuel fear and intimidation on Nigeria’s already troubled highways rather than prevent accidents.

“Road safety is public enlightenment, prevention, and discipline, not intimidation,” he said.

The activist noted that citizens are already overwhelmed by multiple armed agencies — including the Police, Customs, and NDLEA — and warned against turning every corps into a militarised outfit.

“Guns will not fill potholes, repair collapsed highways, or end the culture of bribery that erodes respect for our institutions,” Agberen added.

Instead, he advised the FRSC to invest in professionalism and technology-driven enforcement tools such as dashcams, bodycams, and automated number plate recognition systems. He stressed that continuous public education and discipline would earn officers respect “without a single bullet.”

“Carrying arms is not about safety; it is about power,” Agberen warned, adding that once FRSC is allowed to bear arms, other uniformed groups like Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) or even NYSC could make similar demands.

According to him, Nigeria’s road safety challenges stem not from a lack of bullets but from poor infrastructure, indiscipline, and corruption.

“If FRSC wants credibility, let them lead by example — end bribery, improve training, and push for safer road networks. A gun in their hand will not save a single life from reckless driving, but better training, technology, and integrity surely will,” he said.