FRSC denies harassment claims in Abuja traffic operation

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The Federal Road Safety Corps has dismissed allegations of harassment and assault circulating on social media, insisting that its officers acted professionally during a routine traffic enforcement operation in Abuja.

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The clarification follows a viral video in which FRSC officials were accused of harassing citizens, with accompanying claims that a man was allegedly struck with an iron rod during a confrontation, sparking public outrage and concerns over alleged abuse of power.

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In a statement on Saturday signed by Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer at FRSC Headquarters, Abuja, Osondu Ohaeri, the Corps said the narrative being circulated was misleading and did not reflect what transpired during the operation.

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According to the statement, the incident occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during a routine enforcement exercise by the RS7.14 Central Business District Unit Command.

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“The Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to address the trending video and public concerns regarding an incident involving its patrol team… Contrary to the misleading narrative being circulated, the incident arose during a routine traffic enforcement operation,” the statement said.

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The Corps explained that officers intercepted a vehicle for traffic violations, including overloading and failure to use seatbelts.

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“The vehicle was lawfully intercepted for identifiable traffic violations, including overloading and seatbelt non-compliance. In line with standard procedures, appropriate steps were taken to enforce compliance,” it stated.

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It added that tension escalated when the driver allegedly refused to comply with lawful directives, leading to a crowd gathering at the scene.

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“During the course of the operation, the driver became non-compliant and diverted from lawful directives, creating a scene that attracted public attention and increased tension within the area,” the FRSC said.

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Addressing the allegation of assault seen in the circulating footage, the Corps denied any wrongdoing by its personnel.

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“It is important to categorically state that at no time did any FRSC personnel assault, threaten, or attempt to use force against the driver or any occupant of the vehicle,” the statement read.

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The FRSC also clarified that the individual seen holding an iron rod in the video was not connected to its officers or the driver involved, describing the interpretation of the footage as incorrect.

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“The individual seen in the circulating video holding an iron rod is neither connected to the driver nor to the Corps, but rather a passerby whose actions have been misconstrued,” it added.

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The Corps said officers eventually de-escalated the situation by disengaging from the scene to prevent further tension.

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“The decision to de-escalate the situation, by disengaging and restoring calm, was taken in the interest of public safety,” it said, stressing that the action was a strategic move to prevent escalation.

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The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and public safety, urging Nigerians to disregard misleading narratives and cooperate with lawful enforcement operations.

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