The Federal Traffic Safety Corps said 32 police officers died in the line of duty between 2018 and 2022.
Corps spokesman Bisi Kazeem provided the data to journalists on Friday.
According to the data, the Corps recorded three deaths in 2018, eleven in 2019, nine in 2020, five in 2021 and four in 2022.
On November 25, 2022, a truck driver crushed two police officers in Ikot-Ekpene-Abalut. The accident occurred because the driver of the DAF semi-trailer was speeding too much, trying to avoid a hole along his axle.
On 3 April 2022, armed men reportedly killed two police officers in Eginifite, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State. A gunman opened fire on a policeman during a routine patrol operation along the Igbo-Uku-Uga road in the Ezinifite area of the state.
In 2021, Nasarawa state confirmed the deaths of two FRSC agents. The officer was travelling for a training programme at FRSC Academy, Udi.
Thunder killed three officers on June 17, 2020, at the old toll gate, Ilese, in Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State. The deceased had planned a parade on the office grounds early in the morning when the incident occurred.
Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dauda Biu, accused the constant killing of patrolmen due to the recklessness of some drivers.
Suggested Solutions
The Chief Executive Officer Professional Driving and Safety Academy, Jide Owatunmise, spoke on what can be done to address the menace. He said that FRSC should avoid jumping into the road to stop fast-moving vehicles.
Owatunmise noted that the corps should deploy technology to reduce officers’ death.
He stated, “FRSC officers should stop jumping into the road to stop fast-moving vehicles. Arrested vehicles are better towed. Furthermore, the officers should not forcefully enter the offenders’ vehicles to remove the keys. Also, they should not enter arrested vehicles to be driven to their compound, particularly if it is only one officer.”
FRSC operation officers should stop chasing vehicles for arrest. Any motorist that kills FRSC officers must face prosecution as a deterrent to others. FRSC officers should use body cameras that are connected to a control room to monitor their activities when necessary.
Also, another road safety expert, Ayomide Akinpelu, said, “FRSC proposed firearms for their officers but not many Nigerians agreed to that. This will enable them to defend themselves.”
He called for the use of technology, saying the idea of FRSC officials chasing erring motorists had caused many accidents.
Akinpelu added, “The use of license plate recognition technology, speed limiting devices and traffic operation centre will enable the FRSC to discharge her duties effectively. Their officers do not need to chase offenders up and down, among other benefits”.
cc: Punch Ng
