The Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, has announced the official dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police, also known as SARS, across all the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory where they currently exist.
The IGP who made this known at a press briefing on Sunday in Abuja, noted that all officers and men currently serving in the Unit are to be redeployed with immediate effect.
According to him, “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.”
He further stated, “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 move to dissolve the SARS unit came as a result of the #ENDSARS protests being experienced across different parts of the country and other foreign countries, with clamors on social media.
