In the wake of the violent attacks and killing of some of its operatives during legitimate duties, the Federal Government has approved arms-bearing for the men and officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

According to Nigerian Tribune, the approval follows the lost of over 70 of its personnel in 2016 alone as a result of violent attacks by motorists at the course of duties on highways.

Speaking on Friday at the end of the year management strategy session, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, explained that the FRSC Establishment Act gives power to the corps to bear arms and that the Federal Government had earlier approved that, with about 5,000 personnel already undergoing training on firearms.

The Federal Government has however approved the recruitment of about 450 personnel to beef up the operational capacity of FRSC in prompt rescue operations and enforcement drive.

Oyeyemi said: “The Act gives power to the Corps to bear arms and 5,000 of our personnel have been trained. We are just waiting for the validation of the earlier approval.

“Sadly, within the one year, we have lost 70 personnel. It is sad to note that some killing and maiming of operatives, including one from a sister agency in close collaboration with the Corps were in the course of official duties.

“A recent occurrence was the happening in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State where a motorist ran into the Mobile Court in session, killing three operatives almost instantly while a Civil Defence operative died later as a result of injuries sustained in the dastardly act.”