The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has taken steps to clarify a recent directive regarding the practice of FRSC personnel entering the vehicles of offenders during the seizure of vehicles. This clarification was prompted by a memo that had been circulating and was being misinterpreted by some individuals.
Dauda Biu, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, made it clear that the intention behind the directive was to address a specific aspect of the agency’s operations. In particular, it aimed to put an end to the practice of FRSC patrol operatives being placed inside the vehicles of offenders when those vehicles were being impounded as part of enforcement actions.
Bisi Kazeem, the spokesperson for the FRSC, issued a statement to provide further clarity on the matter. He pointed out that the original directive was issued through an official memo dated September 12, 2023, bearing the reference FRSC/HQ/OPS/94/VOLXVI/094. The memo was titled ‘Immediate Ban on the Placing of Staff in Offenders’ Vehicles to Escort for Impoundment.’
The core of the directive revolved around the cessation of placing FRSC staff inside the vehicles of offenders to escort them during the impoundment process. This practice had raised concerns and was considered unnecessary under certain circumstances. Importantly, the intent was not to ban the impoundment of vehicles by the FRSC but rather to modify the procedure surrounding such actions.
Kazeem expressed the FRSC’s regret for any confusion that may have arisen due to the earlier memo. He emphasized that the current position of the corps was in line with the clarified directive. This clarification aimed to provide a more accurate understanding of the agency’s intentions and procedures regarding the impoundment of vehicles during enforcement actions.
