FRSC orders nationwide crackdown on misconduct, extortion by patrol officers

By Onu Okorie

Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, mni, has issued a sweeping nationwide directive targeting unprofessional conduct, indiscipline, extortion, abuse of authority and other forms of misconduct among patrol personnel, insisting that integrity, discipline and respect for human dignity must remain central to the Corps’ operations.

The directive, which took effect immediately, is part of the Corps Marshal’s broader push to strengthen public confidence in the FRSC. According to Mohammed, every interaction between officers and members of the public represents an opportunity to either build or erode the trust Nigerians place in the organisation.

Under the new order, all Commanding Officers nationwide have been instructed to step up supervision of patrol teams and reinforce ethical standards through regular lectures, parade sessions and pre-patrol briefings. Officers have also been directed to ensure strict compliance with the FRSC Establishment Act, operational guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

Mohammed stressed that no officer should treat road users differently based on their perceived status, appearance or social standing, insisting that every Nigerian is entitled to fairness, dignity, courtesy and respect. He called on personnel to exercise patience and restraint at all times, warning against conduct that could be seen as intimidation, harassment, extortion or abuse of power.

He further directed that all enforcement activities be lawful, transparent and properly documented, cautioning that any encounter with the public could be recorded and scrutinised. “Integrity is not negotiable,” he said, describing public trust as one of the Corps’ most valuable assets.

As part of the tightened accountability measures, the Corps Marshal warned that any officer found engaging in misconduct or damaging the Corps’ image would face swift disciplinary action under the FRSC Regulations on Discipline. He also charged Commanding Officers to enforce the directive strictly and hold patrol commanders responsible for the conduct of the personnel they supervise.

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and unprofessional behaviour, Mohammed said the FRSC remains committed to building a service anchored on discipline, excellence and ethical leadership. He assured Nigerians that reforms would continue in order to guarantee professional service delivery, protect the rights of road users, and sustain public confidence in the Corps.

He urged FRSC personnel to view the directive not as a routine administrative instruction but as a renewed commitment to honour, integrity and selfless service — the values that define the organisation. He also appealed to the motoring public to continue supporting the Corps in its mission to make Nigerian roads safer for all.