Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has condemned an alleged armed attack on its personnel by a motorist identified as a Department of State Services (DSS) operative during a routine traffic enforcement operation in Abuja. The incident occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at about 3:20 p.m. around the RS7.118 Idu Unit Command, when an FRSC patrol team reportedly stopped a Toyota Carina driver over a suspected traffic offence. According to the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, the driver initially refused to obey lawful directives to stop and proceeded dangerously until he was eventually trapped in traffic close to the command. When FRSC personnel approached the motorist to carry out routine checks on the vehicle and driver's documents, the suspect became hostile, verbally abusive, and resisted the enforcement process.
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 suspect allegedly fired two gunshots within the vicinity of the command, but no one was hit. 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. One marshal sustained minor bruises during the process. The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Life Camp Police Station alongside the firearm, ammunition components, and the vehicle involved. Preliminary findings later identified the suspect as a personnel of the DSS, and the matter has been transferred to the appropriate State Command for further investigation. A statement by the agency was released on Friday, May 22, 2026, by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri.
Reacting to the development, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed praised the conduct of FRSC personnel during the incident, noting that they showed restraint and professionalism despite provocation and tension at the scene. He stressed that no individual, regardless of rank or agency affiliation, is above the law, and that security personnel are expected to lead by example through compliance with established traffic regulations and respect for constituted authority. The FRSC boss also warned against the misuse of firearms and official influence against law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate responsibilities. "Firearms and official status must never be used as instruments of intimidation against law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate duties," he stated. He further noted that security personnel must lead by example by obeying traffic laws and respecting constituted authority. The Corps also called for stronger cooperation and mutual respect among security agencies in the interest of public safety and national security.
This incident has sparked widespread concern over the conduct of security personnel, highlighting a troubling pattern of abuses of power. It is not the first time a DSS operative has been involved in a confrontation with law enforcement officers. In 2018, a DSS officer was arrested after firing at a police officer, and in 2020, a DSS official was detained for assaulting a police officer and attempting to disarm him. In 2023, the DSS itself raised concerns over media coverage of its personnel, which it claimed could negatively impact its reputation. The agency also noted an increasing trend of attacks on its facilities by unidentified gunmen in 2023. More recently, in May 2026, a senior police officer was arrested for threatening to shoot civilians recording him on duty.
As of the time of this report, the DSS has not issued an official statement on the incident. The FRSC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer roads while upholding the rule of law and protecting its personnel. The Corps has also called for improved inter‑agency cooperation, discipline, and mutual respect among security services to enhance public safety and national security.
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