The Federal Road Safety Corps has condemned an alleged attack on its personnel by a motorist identified as an operative of the Department of State Services during a routine traffic enforcement operation in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the agency, the incident occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at about 3:20 p.m. near the RS7.118 Idu Unit Command in Abuja, when an FRSC patrol team stopped the driver of a Toyota Carina over an alleged traffic offence.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, said the driver allegedly ignored lawful directives to stop and continued driving recklessly before he was eventually trapped in traffic close to the command.
FRSC officials stated that tension escalated when officers approached the vehicle to inspect the driver’s documents and conduct routine checks.
According to the agency, the suspect allegedly became aggressive, verbally abused the officers and resisted the enforcement process.
The FRSC further disclosed that despite attempts by personnel to de-escalate the situation professionally, the suspect allegedly moved toward the officers, brought out a pistol and fired two gunshots within the command area.
The agency said its personnel, however, acted with restraint and professionalism by swiftly disarming the suspect without any loss of life, although one marshal reportedly sustained minor bruises during the incident.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Life Camp Police Station alongside the firearm, ammunition components and the vehicle involved.
The FRSC added that preliminary investigations identified the suspect as a DSS operative, noting that the matter had been transferred to the appropriate state command for further investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Corps Marshal commended the conduct of FRSC personnel, saying they demonstrated professionalism and restraint despite the tension surrounding the incident.
Mohammed stressed that no individual or security operative is above the law, irrespective of rank or agency affiliation.
He also warned against the misuse of firearms and official influence against law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate duties, while calling for stronger collaboration and mutual respect among security agencies in the interest of public safety and national security.
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In any constitutional democracy, law enforcement and security agencies are supposed to work together to maintain order, not turn on each other. Here is why an incident like this is so highly condemned:
No One is Above Traffic Laws: Being a DSS operative (or any military/paramilitary personnel) does not exempt someone from obeying traffic regulations. Law enforcement officers are expected to lead by example and respect other civil authorities, including the FRSC.
Illegal Use of Force: Firearms are strictly issued for national security and the protection of citizens, not to be used as a personal tool of intimidation to escape a traffic ticket. Opening fire in a public area over a routine stop is a textbook definition of abuse of power.
Inter-Agency Conflict: Incidents like this damage the critical trust and cooperation needed between different security arms (DSS, FRSC, Police).
The prompt arrest of the operative and his handover to the Nigeria Police Force shows that the authorities are treating this as a criminal act rather than an internal administrative issue. It sends a necessary message that wearing a uniform does not put anyone above the law.
He needs to be arrested and face the law with immediate effect.