A self-proclaimed human rights activist, KeneChukwu Okeke, has urged the Federal Government to bring back the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force as the country was drifting towards anarchy.
“I hereby call upon @NigeriaGov, @PoliceNG to redeploy the reformed Special Anti-Robbery Squad to stem the rising tide of insecurity, robberies and other violent crimes in Nigeria. Unless the appropriate actions are taken, Nigeria is gradually sliding into anarchy and lawlessness,” Okeke tweeted on Saturday.
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THE WHISTLER reports that there had been killings across the country including the attacks on institutions that restore order and ensure democracy, including police stations and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by unknown gunmen.
Okeke was of the view that police operatives must be wary of violating human rights while carrying out their duties.
“Sight must not be lost that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) must always operate within the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 and other subsidiary legislations thereof,” he tweeted.
Recall that controversial SARS police unit was disbanded on October 11, 2020 by the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the then Inspector General of Police, Adamu Adamu.
The disbandment followed widespread criticisms by Nigerians regarding police brutality against citizens.
The protesters used the #EndSARS hashtag to demand reforms in the police.
THE WHISTLER earlier reported that the IGP approved the establishment of a new tactical police team (SWAT) on October 16, 2020, as a replacement for SARS.
The force headquarters, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, also said that, “the IGP reiterates that no personnel of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a member the new Tactical Team.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, also told a United Nations Human Rights Council that the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari heard the yearnings of the protesters by disbanding SARS and setting up a panel of inquiry into alleged police brutality.
“In furtherance of its sincere commitment to the advancement of human rights, it is on record that the government responded swiftly to the October 2020 protests against police excesses, in particular, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“The government, without hesitation, accepted the five demands of the protesters which included the disbandment of the SARS police unit and the formation of investigative panels across the states of the federation to ensure justice and restitution for all victims of police excesses,” he said on February 24.
It is becoming crystal clear that it was not the police that is brutal but segments to which the so called SARS allegers are crying the cry of wolfs. People are dying everyday. Properties, money inclusive, are being lost on daily basis to the beneficiaries of no more SARS .