The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has denied seeking the permission of the federal government to bear arms while on duty on the roads.

The assistant corps marshal and corps public education officer, Bisi Kazeem, disclosed this on its X handle on Sunday.

The Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, on Saturday, said, “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.

“What we are still waiting for is 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 protect ourselves when the need arises,” he added.

Mr Biu represented by Shehu Zaki, a deputy corps marshal, stated this while inaugurating 1,762 personnel of the corps who just concluded their four-month basic course at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, Niger.

According to him, the measure would ensure adequate protection for the personnel who were often attacked in the course of duty by some road users or suspected criminals who take advantage of the security challenges in the country.

However, Mr Kazeem urged the general public to disregard the statements saying, “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 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,” he added.