The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged special marshals to deepen their commitment by strengthening security, improving coordination, and leveraging technology to safeguard personnel and the public.

The FRSC corps commander in Lagos, Kehinde Hamzat, made the call on Saturday at the Special Marshals 2025 Sectoral Workshop in Lagos.

The workshop had the theme “Enhancing Security and Safety Strategies for Special Marshals’ Operations.”

Mr Hamzat said the contributions of special marshals to the successes of the corps could not be overstated.

He noted that they had consistently supported the FRSC in public education, patrols, community engagement, and advocacy.

“From traffic control during special operations to enlightenment in religious institutions, markets, and corporate organisations, the special marshals have remained a pillar of road safety implementation,” he said.

Mr Hamzat noted that the call for improved safety became necessary due to threats, harassment, and physical attacks faced by law enforcement officers and volunteers in the line of duty.

He said this underscored the need for integrated safety measures to protect personnel.

The national coordinator of special marshals, Usman Adaji, outlined key strategic pillars to enhance their operations, including strict adherence to discipline.

“While our enlistment is voluntary, our commitment becomes absolute after induction. We are bound by our norms, and every activity after enlistment is no longer voluntary,” he said.

Mr Adaji added that communication channels must be respected and directives executed within stipulated timelines.

He said the administration had begun capturing data on all special marshals nationwide and was developing a digital platform to onboard personnel.

“Capacity building, emphasis on dressing patterns, and closing porous enlistment are paramount. Aspirants must undergo medical fitness to ensure they are physically and mentally fit,” he said.

The chairman, House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, David Zacharias, said capacity building was essential to enhance the abilities and performance of Special Marshals.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to prioritising the safety of Nigerians.

Earlier, Olabisi Dennis, the Lagos State coordinator of special marshals, said personnel must continually equip themselves with new knowledge and strategies as safety and security challenges evolve.

“Let this workshop rekindle our passion, strengthen our unity, and inspire innovative ideas that will advance the Special Marshals’ vision,” he said.

The workshop featured the decoration of new honorary special marshals and the presentation of other awards.

Representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and other agencies attended the event.

(NAN)