By DAPO FALADE
The police authorities have caved in to the ongoing #ENDSARS protest across the country as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in all the 36 state police commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The dissolution was contained in press release, 5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.3/30, dated 11th October, 2020 and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Frank Mba.
As contained in the press release, the dissolution of the notorious special police squad was done “in the finest spirit of democratic, citizen-centred and community policing.”
There has been a sustained nationwide protest against the #SARS over the week, with the protest gaining international prominence and sympathy from the other parts of the world.
Announcing the dissolution, IGP Adamu said it is in response to the yearnings of the Nigerian people and observes that, by the act, all officers and men of the now defunct #SARS are being redeployed with immediate effect.
He said the Police Force was not oblivious of the ever present need to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country which was before now the core mandate of the erstwhile Squad.
He assured that a new policing arrangement to address anticipated policing gaps the dissolution of SARS would cause has been evolved and shall be announced in due course.
“Meanwhile, as part of measures to prevent a re-occurrence of events that gave rise to the dissolution of SARS, a Citizens’ and Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum is being formed to regularly interface with police leadership at all levels and advise on police activities as they affect the general public.
“In addition, the Force is constituting an Investigation Team which shall include civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights bodies to work with the police in investigating alleged cases of human rights violations.
“The measure, the IGP believes, will enhance transparency and accountability in police services as well as providing a system of deterrence for erring police officers whose action clearly violates the rights of the citizenry.
The IGP appreciates and commends all citizens, particularly those who genuinely express their concerns for a better policing orientation in an organised, patriotic and civil manner.
“He reaffirms the determination of the Force to bequeath to the country a Police Force and System that is professional in service delivery and most importantly, accountable to the people,” the press release stated.
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