FRSC Officials Disarm Alleged DSS Officer After Shooting Incident In Abuja

FRSC Officials Disarm Alleged DSS Officer After Shooting Incident In Abuja

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has condemned what it described as an armed attack on its personnel by a suspected operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) during a routine traffic enforcement operation in Abuja.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday around 3:20 p.m. at the RS7.118 Idu Unit Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), involving a motorist driving a Toyota Carina who allegedly refused to comply with traffic officials before opening fire during a confrontation.

According to a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the enforcement team had initially flagged down the driver over a suspected traffic violation.

The FRSC explained that instead of complying with lawful directives, the suspect allegedly drove recklessly in an attempt to evade officials before traffic congestion forced the vehicle to stop close to the command office.

The statement said FRSC personnel approached the vehicle for routine verification of the driver’s licence and vehicle documents, but the situation quickly escalated after the suspect reportedly became aggressive 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 said.

The Corps disclosed that its personnel acted professionally despite the danger and successfully overpowered and disarmed the suspect without any loss of life.

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“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 added.

The FRSC confirmed that one road marshal sustained minor bruises during the struggle with the suspect.

Following the incident, the suspect was reportedly handed over to operatives of the Nigeria Police Force at the Life Camp Police Station alongside the firearm, ammunition components and the Toyota Carina involved in the incident.

Preliminary investigations later identified the suspect as a personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), while the case has since been transferred to the appropriate state command for further investigation and disciplinary procedures.

Reacting to the development, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, commended the officers involved for displaying professionalism, maturity and tactical discipline despite the tense atmosphere and outrage from members of the public at the scene.

“He further stated unequivocally that no individual, regardless of status, rank, or agency affiliation, is above the law,” the statement noted.

The Corps Marshal stressed that all security personnel must lead by example by obeying traffic laws and respecting constituted authorities.

“Firearms and official status must never be used as instruments of intimidation against law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate duties,” he said.

The incident has sparked fresh conversations about inter-agency relations, professionalism and the conduct of armed personnel during public enforcement operations in Nigeria.

Security analysts have also praised the FRSC officials for preventing what could have escalated into a fatal security incident in the nation’s capital.

Eyewitnesses around the Idu area reportedly fled for safety after hearing gunshots, while traffic movement was briefly disrupted as security personnel secured the scene.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident or confirm the identity of the officer involved.

The FRSC, however, called on all security agencies to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, mutual respect and operational discipline in the interest of national security and public safety.

FRSC Officials Disarm Alleged DSS Officer After Shooting Incident In Abuja