Give FRSC Guns? Then Arm Students Too,” NAPS Warns Federal Government

The Senate arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly condemned the push by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to carry firearms, warning that such a move would militarise road safety and put the lives of ordinary Nigerians at risk.

In a statement signed by Senate President Sen. Comr. Oyewumi Festus Ayomide and Senate Clerk Sen. Comr. Jimoh Ibrahim, NAPS described the proposal as “dangerous, unnecessary, and capable of turning a civil agency into an intimidating armed force.”

“FRSC Is Not a Combat Agency”

According to the student body, FRSC was established as an educational and corrective institution focused on saving lives, preventing road accidents, and engaging road users—not enforcing compliance with guns.

They warned that issuing firearms to the Corps would replace trust with fear, and turn cooperation into confrontation.

“If FRSC Gets Guns, Students Should Too”

NAPS declared that if the Federal Government proceeds with arming FRSC officials, then student leaders across NAPS, NANS, and other recognized student bodies should also be armed for their protection.

The group argued that student activists travel more frequently and face far greater dangers on highways than road safety officials.

They cited multiple attacks on student leaders during travels, including the death of the NAPS South-South Coordinator, who was killed in a violent incident while on national assignment.

“Nigeria Doesn’t Need Another Trigger-Happy Force”

NAPS expressed fear that arming FRSC would add to the already prevalent problem of abuse by armed personnel in Nigeria.

They stressed that Nigerians already contend with police, civil defence, and the military—adding firearms to FRSC uniforms would be redundant and dangerous.

Their Demands to Government

The association called on the Federal Government, National Assembly, and relevant bodies to reject FRSC’s request outright and instead:

• Improve training and emergency response capacity of FRSC
• Equip officers with technology and non-lethal tools
• Strengthen collaboration with police and communities
• Promote safer highways through professional, civil engagement

In their words, “The lives of Nigerians are too precious to be placed at the mercy of an armed FRSC. Road safety is about saving lives, not taking them.”