FSARS To ‘Avoid Flagrant Abuse Of Power’ – Police

Over 100 commanders of the Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad (FSARS), on Monday, commenced a two-week training to enable them “avoid flagrant abuse of power”.

The FSARS commanders, who commenced the training at the Lagos command of the police, were warned by Emmanuel Inyang, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of training, to avoid abuse of human rights and be more tolerant of the public.

Inyang said it became pertinent for the Nigeria Police Force to train the FSARS commanders in view of incessant petitions of rights abuse by the public against SARS operatives.

The move comes after the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, recently ordered the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to overhaul the SARS over allegations of rights abuse among others.

Meanwhile, AIG Inyang said the FSARS commanders being trained against human right abuse were drawn from the 36 states and Abuja.

“FSARS was established to take charge of specific functions pertaining to crime prevention and control as well as to secure life and property,” he said.

“But their direct contact with members of the public has brought conflicts, friction and perceived human rights abuses and inherent complaints arising from the performance of their duties.

“There is no doubt that the training would provide the necessary platform for all participants, especially, the foot soldiers of FSARS to understand the necessity of imbibing human rights at their duty post and stations and identified areas of problem,” AIG Inyang said.

Speaking also at the opening ceremony of the training, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Haliru Gwandu, expressed optimism that the training will help improve operations of FSARS in the area of fundamental human rights.

Gwandu said, “The current seminar on human rights is one of the critical component that will assist the FSARS to do their job, as it is also going to enrich them in the area of fundamental human rights.

“We expect them to demonstrate competence, courage and professionalism and avoid flagrant abuse of power.

“You are also expected to demonstrate patience and maturity when dealing with members of the public. You must remain courteous and listen to all complaints and ensure fair hearing to parties in dispute.

“Rights of suspects must also be guaranteed by allowing suspects, his or her lawyers or members of civil society organizations to known the nature of crime committed when the need arises.

“When critical incident of armed robbery and kidnapping are subject of any investigation, such officers must speed up and ensure that they meet up within the time frame as provided by the law,” he said.