((DSS). Photo by Guardian Nigeria News)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has spoken out against an alleged armed assault on its officers by a motorist who was subsequently identified as a personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), during a routine traffic enforcement exercise in Abuja.
According to a statement from the agency, the incident took place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at approximately 3:20 p.m., near the RS7.118 Idu Unit Command in Abuja.
An FRSC patrol team had flagged down a Toyota Carina driver over a suspected traffic violation, but the driver allegedly refused to comply with the directive to stop and continued driving erratically until he was hemmed in by traffic close to the command.
The situation reportedly took a dangerous turn when officers moved in to conduct routine checks on the driver and his vehicle documents.
The suspect allegedly became aggressive, hurled verbal abuse at the officers, and resisted the enforcement process.
Despite attempts by personnel to de-escalate the situation professionally, the suspect allegedly moved threateningly toward the officers before producing a pistol and firing two gunshots in the vicinity of the command.
The FRSC stated that its personnel responded with commendable restraint, professionalism, and tactical discipline, successfully disarming the suspect without any loss of life. One officer sustained minor injuries in the process.
The suspect was promptly arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Life Camp station, along with the firearm, ammunition, and the vehicle involved.
Preliminary investigations later confirmed that the suspect is a DSS operative, and the matter has since been transferred to the appropriate state command for further handling.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed praised his officers for maintaining composure and acting professionally under significant pressure and provocation.
He firmly stated that no person regardless of their rank, status, or agency affiliation is above the law, and that security personnel in particular are expected to set a good example by respecting traffic regulations and constituted authority.
He also cautioned against the use of firearms or official influence to intimidate law enforcement officers in the course of their legitimate duties, and called for greater cooperation and mutual respect among Nigeria’s security agencies in the interest of public safety and national security.