By IBIRONKE ARIYO

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the immediate recall of a patrol team mentioned in a recent media report alleging bribery, for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions.

A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Thursday in Abuja, stated that the directive followed a publication by Premium Times alleging misconduct by some FRSC personnel.

In response, Mohammed said the Corps would not tolerate any form of corruption within its ranks.

?As an organisation that upholds standards at all times, we have procedures to check indiscipline, corruption and patrol misconduct.

?If found guilty, the operatives will face severe disciplinary actions including dismissal and prosecution.?

The FRSC Corps Marshal also addressed a part of the Premium Times report which referenced the arrest of FRSC personnel by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in 2021.

According to him, the Corps is fully aware that bribery and corruption are national challenges, and it does not exempt itself from scrutiny.

?However, the Corps emphasised its consistent efforts in combating corruption, stating that it has never folded its arms in addressing such cases.

?The management has adopted proactive measures to eliminate corrupt elements through a comprehensive anti-corruption policy, dynamic operational strategy, and regular monitoring.

?Any staff arrested for criminal offences, including extortion, would be tried internally, disengaged, and handed over to the Police where necessary,? he said.

The FRSC boss revealed that its zero-tolerance stance had led to the dismissal and prosecution of many operatives found guilty of bribery and related offences.

?In 2021, the Corps collaborated with the Department of State Services (DSS) and ICPC to launch a Joint Surveillance Special Operation, targeting erring personnel.

?That operation, in its first year, resulted in the arrest of over 70 FRSC staff members in two coordinated actions.

?Prima facie cases were established against those personnel to serve as a deterrent to others,? he said.

Mohammed said that the current leadership was intensifying efforts to curb corruption, especially in alignment with President Bola Tinubu?s anti-corruption drive.

He also highlighted FRSC?s partnership with the Akin Fadeyi Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation to launch the ?Flag-It App?.

He said the app allows the public to report cases of extortion, bribery, or disservice by any FRSC operative.

?Many complaints received through the app have been duly treated.

?Recently, a new mobile application was launched to further combat bribery and reward exceptional service.

?The app includes a function for reporting misconduct, complementing the Flag-It App in ensuring personnel accountability,? he said.

Mohammed urged the media and public to continue supporting the Corps by using the available tools to report any misconduct for immediate action.

?This is a call to collective action. We need the press and the public to help us fight extortion and sharp practices within the system,? he said. (NAN)

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