The Inspector-General of Police in Nigeria, Mohammed Adamu has announced the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police after protests alleging brutality.
The IGP, who made this announcement on Sunday at a press briefing in Abuja stated that all officers and men currently serving in the Unit across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are to be redeployed with immediate effect.
He revealed, “New policing arrangements to address the offences of armed robbery, and other violent crimes that fall within the mandate of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad shall be presented in due course.
“A Citizens and Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum will be formed to regularly interface with the leadership of the police at all levels and advice on police activities.
“To deal with the reports of crimes committed against citizens, an investigation team will be constituted which will include civil society organisations for transparency, and culprits will be punished,” Adamu explained.
“I commend the vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police who are diligently going about their duties, guided by the dictates of the rule of law, honour and professionalism.
“I encourage them to sustain their sense of national service, sacrifice, patriotism and commitment to crime-fighting. Their gallant efforts to ensure the safety of the lives and property of all Nigerians are very much appreciated,” the IGP said.
This announcement was after the agitation exhibited over the past week on the streets and social media over alleged illegal arrests, extortion, torture and murder carried out by members of the unit.
Meanwhile, it was reported that a bystander identified as Jimoh Isiaq was shot dead in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Saturday while the protest was going on in his vicinity.
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