The Nigeria police have urged citizens to support the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) despite widespread
criticism and call for its scrapping.
Already, Nigerians have started mobilising for a protest to end the alleged brutality carried out by SARS operatives in the country
The protest is to hold across nine states of the federation as well as Abuja Despite the planned mass protest in ten states of the country for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Nigeria police have assured Nigerians of its advantages.
The call for the scrapping of SARS started and gained momentum in Nigeria in the last few weeks and as a result, many eminent Nigerians have had their say.
While some supported the scrapping of the anti-robbery squad, many are of the opinion that it should be reformed.
The Senate on its part on Tuesday,
December 5, mandated its Ad Hoc
Committee on Security to investigate allegations of human rights abuses against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
NIgeria police urging Nigerians to support the reform of SARS. Credit: Nigeria police force
The move was sequel to a Point-of-Order raised by Sen. Isa Misau (APC-Bauchi) during plenary.
However, the inspector general of police has reiterated his plans to reform the anti-robbery squad.
The police boss made this know in a statement.
The statement read: "The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni,
concerned with public interest on
allegations, complaints and grievances of some members of the public, especially those registered on social media, against
the activities of some members of SARS has so far made consequent orders for the rehabilitation and reform of SARS.
"This reorganization was announced three days ago. We are certain that Nigerians have begun to see the impact of these reforms and in the coming days, it would
even be more visible.
"It is important we highlight that
irrespective of some infractions from few personnel of SARS who allegedly acted against the ethics of the police profession which are now being investigated, majority
of police personnel attached to SARS are good, sound, disciplined and commendable officers. We assure the general public that
we are sieving out the wheat from the chaff in this regard.
"We must also highlight that the federal SARS (FSARS) play a fundamental role in Nigeria’s Security architecture. They have
been primarily instrumental to dropping the previously high rate of crime such as armed robbery across the country; we must not
discountenance their good work which they continue to do.
"We also commend Nigerians, who out of patriotism, called for these reforms in SARS.
Rest assured we are a listening Force working for the good of our country.
"We call on Nigerians to Support FSARS to become better, and serve the county better."
