DSS Operative Fires Gun at FRSC Officials During Abuja Checkpoint, Corps Marshal Demands Arrest

Driver Flagged for Traffic Violation Turned Aggressive

A routine traffic stop in Abuja nearly turned deadly on Thursday when an armed operative of the Department of State Services fired two shots at Federal Road Safety Corps officers who had flagged him down for a traffic violation.

The incident happened around 3:20 p.m. at the RS7.118 Idu Unit Command of the FRSC. According to FRSC spokesman Osondu Ohaeri, a Deputy Corps Commander, enforcement officers on patrol stopped a Toyota Carina driver for a suspected traffic violation. Instead of complying, the driver refused to pull over and drove dangerously until traffic congestion forced him to stop near the Command office.

When officers approached the vehicle for a routine check, the driver became “hostile and verbally aggressive, resisting all lawful enforcement procedures,” Ohaeri said. The situation then escalated — the suspect drew a pistol and fired twice within the vicinity of the Command, causing panic among bystanders and road users.

Suspect Disarmed, Handed to Police

Despite the gunfire, FRSC personnel managed to disarm the suspect without loss of life. One marshal sustained minor bruises during the struggle. The suspect, his firearm, ammunition components, and the vehicle were handed over to the Nigeria Police at Life Camp Police Station.

Preliminary investigations later identified the suspect as a DSS operative. The case has since been transferred to the appropriate State Command for further investigation.

FRSC Corps Marshal Reacts

FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed strongly condemned the attack and praised his officers for their restraint. “The personnel displayed commendable maturity and discipline, ensuring that the situation did not degenerate into chaos, despite growing public outrage at the scene,” he said.

Mohammed did not hold back in his message to other security agencies. “No individual, regardless of status, rank, or agency affiliation, is above the law. Security personnel are expected to lead by example through compliance with established traffic regulations and respect for constituted authority.”

He warned that “firearms and official status must never be used as instruments of intimidation against law enforcement officers carrying out legitimate duties,” and called for stronger inter-agency cooperation and mutual respect among security organisations.

Sources: Independent Nigeria, Politics Nigeria, PRNigeria