By Chinenye Jane Anaeme
In a sweeping crackdown that signals a firm stand against roadside corruption, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has apprehended no fewer than 563 motorists nationwide for attempting to bribe or unduly influence its personnel during routine operations in July.
According to data released by the Corps, Osun State emerged as the epicentre of this unethical practice, accounting for 155 of the recorded cases , the highest in the country. The development underscores the increasing vigilance and zero-tolerance posture adopted by the Corps in the face of growing attempts to compromise officers on duty.
The Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, expressed concern over the trend but also hailed the unwavering professionalism of his men and women in uniform, especially those who resisted inducement and upheld the core values of the agency.
Particularly commended was Assistant Route Commander Babatunde J. Owoeye of the Osun Sector Command, who singlehandedly accounted for 104 of the total bookings. Describing him as a model officer, the Corps Marshal praised his unwavering discipline and integrity, noting that officers like him represent the ideal face of a reformed and principled road safety agency.
“This is not just about arresting offenders,” the Corps Marshal said. “It is about sending a clear message , corruption has no place on our roads. We are not only enforcing traffic regulations, we are also protecting the moral fibre of our operations.”
He affirmed that the FRSC is taking deliberate steps to institutionalise anti-corruption practices through targeted enforcement, ethics-based training, and reward mechanisms for integrity.
“These officers are not alone,” he added. “There is an entire structure backing every marshal who stands his ground in the face of inducement.”
The Corps has reiterated that offering bribes to public officials is a punishable offence under Nigerian law, urging road users to comply with traffic rules and treat FRSC personnel with the respect and cooperation required in any law-abiding society.
As the agency continues its push for integrity-led service, the Corps Marshal called on commanders across all states to emulate the Osun model by reinforcing discipline and transparency within their ranks.
He maintained that the drive towards safer highways is inseparable from the larger war against corruption, and reaffirmed the Corps’ resolve to deliver both without compromise.
