The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Tuesday said it lost five of its operatives to road crashes in September after they were knocked down by reckless motorists while on official duties.
The corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in a statement by the corps’ spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, directed the immediate prosecution of the motorists involved in the incidents.
Mr Mohammed said the directive was to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice and to serve as a deterrent to others who undermine road safety and endanger the lives of law enforcement officers.
He said the incidents occurred across its formations.
Mr Mohammed said this includes the Ekiti Sector Command on September 6, the Ogun Sector Command on September 8, the Taraba Sector Command on September 15, the Jos By-Pass Unit Command on September 19, and the Obollo Afor Unit Command on September 24.
“Their deaths are not mere statistics. They represent human lives, which are dedicated fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and breadwinners, cut short in the line of duty while safeguarding Nigerian roads,” he said.
Mr Mohammed expressed deep concern over the increasing risks faced by FRSC operatives, noting that in addition to speeding vehicles, personnel were also being subjected to kidnapping, and targeted assaults.
He warned that the corps would no longer tolerate acts of recklessness that endangered its staff, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Mr Mohammed also charged personnel nationwide to exercise a higher level of alertness and prioritise their safety while on duty, pointing out that they needed to be safe and alive to save others.
“In line with this, the corps is intensifying engagements with relevant authorities on the protection of its personnel and installations.
“This measure is not intended for aggression but as a safeguard to deter assaults and ensure that officers can perform their duties without fear of attack,” he said.
On behalf of the management and staff, the corps marshal commiserated with the families of the deceased officers and saluted their courage and sacrifice.
He further urged Nigerians to honour the memory of the fallen operatives by obeying traffic laws, respecting FRSC personnel on duty, and supporting the corps’ mandate to end avoidable deaths on highways.
“Disregard for traffic laws and the safety of FRSC personnel will attract serious sanctions and legal consequences going forward,” he warned.