By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has responded to a viral video circulating on social media, clarifying its role in an incident involving one of its patrol teams in Abuja’s Central Business District on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
In an official statement issued on Saturday, the Corps dismissed claims of misconduct, stating that the situation arose during a routine traffic enforcement operation by its RS7.14 Central Business District Unit Command.
According to the FRSC, the vehicle involved was lawfully stopped for multiple traffic violations, including overloading and failure to comply with seatbelt regulations. Officers on duty reportedly initiated standard enforcement procedures in line with established guidelines.
However, the Corps said the situation escalated when the driver allegedly became non-compliant and deviated from lawful directives, drawing attention and attracting a growing crowd to the scene.
“As tensions increased due to the gathering crowd, there was a heightened risk of disorder and security concerns,” the statement noted.
The FRSC firmly denied allegations that its personnel assaulted or threatened the driver or any occupants of the vehicle.
It also clarified that an individual seen in the viral video holding an iron rod was neither affiliated with the Corps nor connected to the driver, describing him as a passerby whose actions were misinterpreted in the circulating footage.
The agency emphasized that its officers exercised restraint and professionalism throughout the encounter, choosing to de-escalate the situation in the interest of public safety.
“The decision to disengage was strategic and aimed at preventing escalation, protecting lives, and maintaining public order,” the statement added.
The Corps warned against misrepresentation of the incident, stressing that its approach should not be viewed as a compromise of enforcement standards but as a responsible response to a volatile situation.
Reaffirming its commitment to road safety and human rights, the FRSC urged members of the public to disregard misleading narratives and cooperate with law enforcement officers in carrying out their duties.
The statement was signed by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer at the FRSC Headquarters in Abuja.
