The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recalled an entire patrol team implicated in a viral bribery report published by an online news platform. The move, which underscores the corps’ declared zero-tolerance stance on corruption, comes after allegations of extortion and misconduct involving some of its operatives surfaced online.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, ordered the immediate recall of the affected team to allow for a full investigation and, if necessary, appropriate disciplinary measures.
“The Corps Marshal has taken decisive action in response to the allegations by ordering the immediate recall of the entire patrol team mentioned in the report for thorough investigation and necessary sanction,” the statement read.
Ogungbemide stressed that the FRSC remains committed to enforcing discipline and integrity among its personnel. He affirmed that if the officers are found guilty, they could face dismissal from service and criminal prosecution, depending on the outcome of the investigations.
This latest incident has renewed public scrutiny on law enforcement practices in Nigeria, particularly on the country’s highways, where reports of extortion and bribery by uniformed personnel are not uncommon.
The FRSC, however, insists that it is not complacent in addressing such issues. The agency acknowledged past incidents, including a 2021 case involving arrests by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). It reiterated that corruption is a nationwide problem, not exclusive to the Corps, and pointed to its history of internal discipline and cooperation with external anti-corruption agencies.
The statement further revealed that the FRSC has in the past collaborated with the ICPC and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch surveillance operations that led to the arrest of over 70 FRSC officials in one year for various misconducts. Many of those arrested were either internally sanctioned or prosecuted, the corps noted.
In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability, the FRSC has partnered with the Akin Fadeyi Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation to launch Flag-It, a mobile application that allows citizens to report road safety officers for acts of extortion or unethical conduct.
Additionally, the corps recently introduced an internal digital app to facilitate real-time reporting of both commendable and unprofessional behaviour by its officers. According to FRSC, the platform serves to promote accountability and encourage whistleblowing both from within and outside the organisation.
The Corps Marshal used the opportunity to call on the Nigerian public and the media to continue monitoring FRSC activities and utilise the reporting tools available to flag any misconduct. He stressed that public vigilance remains a vital part of the ongoing effort to reform the service and restore trust.
“Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any observed misconduct using the Flag-It app or by contacting the Corps directly through verified communication channels,” Ogungbemide said.
The FRSC has consistently maintained that while it strives to uphold safety and order on Nigerian roads, it also acknowledges the responsibility to hold its operatives accountable, especially when they breach public trust.
This latest disciplinary action may serve as a warning to other officers and units, as the corps doubles down on eliminating corruption from its ranks amid increasing demands for good governance and institutional reform.
