Business/Economy
FRSC arrests over 200 for bribery in Cross river, vows zero tolerance for corruption
Written By: Alaba Lambert
19 Oct 2025 04:05 AM
Calabar, Cross River — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Cross River State has reported the arrest of 280 drivers for attempting to bribe its personnel at various checkpoints across the state between June and October 2025.
The crackdown, part of a broader campaign to curb corruption and ensure road safety, underscores the FRSC’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for extortion and unethical practices.
Corps Commander Mr. Etuk, the FRSC Sector Commander for Cross River State, disclosed the arrests during a radio discourse, where he emphasized the corps’ resolve to uphold integrity and professionalism.
“We maintain zero tolerance for road corruption, extortion, or assault involving our men,” Etuk stated, acknowledging the persistent challenge of bribery attempts by motorists.
The arrests, he explained, are part of efforts to discourage drivers from encouraging such behavior, thereby fostering a culture of accountability on the state’s roads.
The revelation comes amidst growing public frustration with allegations of harassment and extortion by FRSC officers, particularly in Calabar and its environs.
Several callers during the radio program expressed bitterness over their experiences, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the corps’ policies and on-ground realities.
Etuk, however, appealed for mutual respect and better understanding between motorists and FRSC personnel, stressing that “we are all partners in ensuring safer roads.”
Despite the complaints, the commander reiterated the FRSC’s dedication to its mandate, which includes enforcing traffic laws, reducing road accidents, and promoting safe driving habits. The arrests of the 280 drivers, he noted, serve as a deterrent to others who might consider offering bribes as a shortcut to bypass regulations.
“Our goal is to create a system where compliance is the norm, not the exception,” Etuk added.
The FRSC’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption aligns with national efforts to reform public institutions and combat graft, a pervasive issue that has long plagued Nigeria’s security and regulatory agencies.
In Cross River State, the arrests signal a shift towards stricter enforcement, though challenges remain in changing entrenched behaviors among both officers and motorists.
As the FRSC continues its campaign, the public awaits further details on the outcomes of the arrests, including any legal proceedings or penalties imposed on the offending drivers.
In a state where road safety remains a critical concern, the FRSC’s actions offer a glimmer of hope for improved governance and safer travel. However, the true test lies in the corps’ ability to maintain this momentum and foster a culture of integrity that benefits all road users in Cross River State and beyond.
The crackdown, part of a broader campaign to curb corruption and ensure road safety, underscores the FRSC’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for extortion and unethical practices.
Corps Commander Mr. Etuk, the FRSC Sector Commander for Cross River State, disclosed the arrests during a radio discourse, where he emphasized the corps’ resolve to uphold integrity and professionalism.
“We maintain zero tolerance for road corruption, extortion, or assault involving our men,” Etuk stated, acknowledging the persistent challenge of bribery attempts by motorists.
The arrests, he explained, are part of efforts to discourage drivers from encouraging such behavior, thereby fostering a culture of accountability on the state’s roads.
The revelation comes amidst growing public frustration with allegations of harassment and extortion by FRSC officers, particularly in Calabar and its environs.
Several callers during the radio program expressed bitterness over their experiences, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the corps’ policies and on-ground realities.
Etuk, however, appealed for mutual respect and better understanding between motorists and FRSC personnel, stressing that “we are all partners in ensuring safer roads.”
Despite the complaints, the commander reiterated the FRSC’s dedication to its mandate, which includes enforcing traffic laws, reducing road accidents, and promoting safe driving habits. The arrests of the 280 drivers, he noted, serve as a deterrent to others who might consider offering bribes as a shortcut to bypass regulations.
“Our goal is to create a system where compliance is the norm, not the exception,” Etuk added.
The FRSC’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption aligns with national efforts to reform public institutions and combat graft, a pervasive issue that has long plagued Nigeria’s security and regulatory agencies.
In Cross River State, the arrests signal a shift towards stricter enforcement, though challenges remain in changing entrenched behaviors among both officers and motorists.
As the FRSC continues its campaign, the public awaits further details on the outcomes of the arrests, including any legal proceedings or penalties imposed on the offending drivers.
In a state where road safety remains a critical concern, the FRSC’s actions offer a glimmer of hope for improved governance and safer travel. However, the true test lies in the corps’ ability to maintain this momentum and foster a culture of integrity that benefits all road users in Cross River State and beyond.
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