A suspected operative of the Department of State Services, DSS, has been accused of opening fire on officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps during a traffic enforcement operation in Abuja.
The incident reportedly happened around the Idu area of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday afternoon and caused panic among motorists and residents around the busy route.
The FRSC, in a statement released on Friday, said the armed official fired gunshots after resisting arrest during a routine patrol operation carried out by officers attached to the RS7.118 Idu Unit Command.
According to the Corps, the trouble started after its personnel stopped a Toyota Carina over an alleged traffic violation at about 3:20pm. The driver was said to have ignored directives from officers and continued driving recklessly before running into traffic congestion near the Command office.
FRSC spokesperson, Osondu Ohaeri, said officers later approached the vehicle for routine checks while the driver was trapped in traffic. He explained that the situation quickly turned confrontational as the suspect allegedly became hostile and verbally aggressive toward the officials on duty.
The statement added that the confrontation later escalated after the driver allegedly advanced toward the officers and brought out a pistol, firing two shots within the area.
The gunshots reportedly caused tension at the scene, with bystanders and other road users scampering for safety.
FRSC, however, said its personnel managed the situation professionally and succeeded in disarming the suspect without any loss of life. One marshal reportedly sustained minor injuries during the struggle.
The Corps disclosed that the suspect, alongside the firearm, ammunition and the vehicle involved, was immediately handed over to the Nigeria Police at Life Camp for further investigation.
“Preliminary identification later revealed the suspect to be a personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS),” the statement said.
The matter has since been transferred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Reacting to the development, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, condemned the attack and praised the conduct of the officers involved in the operation.
He said the personnel showed restraint despite the provocation and growing outrage from members of the public who witnessed the incident.
The Corps Marshal stressed that no security operative or government official is above the law, insisting that all citizens, regardless of status or agency affiliation, must obey traffic regulations and respect constituted authorities.
He also warned against the misuse of firearms and official privileges to intimidate law enforcement officers carrying out lawful duties.
The FRSC further called for stronger collaboration and discipline among security agencies in order to avoid clashes that could threaten public safety.
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