Lagos Gov Sanwo-Olu Promises ‘Appropriate Actions Will Be Taken’ Against SARS

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos state has reacted to allegations of corrupt practices and exploitation against operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police, saying actions should be taken to end such immediately.

The governor made this assertion in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.

“The safety of our residents is my number one duty as the CSO of Lagos. So, reading reports of seemingly unlawful exploitation by the people charged to protect is very worrying & needs to be addressed immediately. Be assured that appropriate actions will be taken, & speedily too,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor’s statement follows a growing campaign of Nigerians across the country demanding immediate halt to the operations of SARS.

Members of the public have cried out against the actions of operatives of SARS, alleging they have abandoned their core responsibilities to fight crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and other related crimes, and were harassing innocent Nigerans.

They alleged SARS operatives extort, kidnap or take innocent lives at will.

Reacting to the issue, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar condemned the “cruel actions” on Nigerians while he urged the government to rise to the occasion and “nip this monstrosity in the bud” with the seriousness it deserves.