‘When Did S’South Become Sambisa Forest?’ – Nigerians Tackle Force PRO Over Claim SARS Fighting Boko Haram
The Nigeria Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, has come under fire from Nigerians over a reason he gave as to why the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) cannot be completely scrapped.
Mba had said it would be irresponsible of the Nigeria Police Force to disband SARS as operatives of the police unit are “deeply embedded” in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria.
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The Force PRO made the statement during his appearance on Channels TV on Friday, where he reacted to the nationwide protests by individuals and groups calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammad Adamu, to scrap the SARS unit over alleged harassment, extortion, brutality and extra-judicial killings.
Mba, a deputy commissioner of police, had said: “If the #EndSARS hashtag is seen as a symbolic call for the reform of SARS, I would say clearly that the leadership of the NPF is in line and ready to work with those making that call,” he said.
“However, if the hashtag should be seen as a call for the total disbandment of SARS, I would tell you very clearly that it will be difficult for any responsible organisation to work that path, taking into cognisance the amount of investment in training that government has made in setting up that department and the very critical roles it is playing.
“As a matter of fact, we have received a lot of calls from people particularly in states like Maiduguri, Yobe, and some other parts of the north where SARS operatives are deeply embedded in the fight against banditry, insurgency.
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“And these people have made it very clear that ending SARS is not even an option for them because of the critical roles SARS operatives are playing in those areas, heavily on bandits, terrorists and other kinds of criminals.”
But some Nigerians who reacted to the Force PRO’s statement on Twitter have wondered if the southern part of country had become Sambisa Forest, saying SARS operatives were only seen in southern Nigeria whereas Boko Haram insurgents are mainly in the north.
Sambisa Forest is a forest in Borno State believed to be housing members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
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Below are some of the Twitter reactions to the Force PRO’s statement.
@kennygee_70: “Just send them all to sambisa forest if they fight Boko Haram, I’m certain we’re not Boko Haram neither is our street sambisa so what are they doing here? End SARS please.”
@Nedunaija: “I agree with you, being that the streets of Southern Nigeria have become Sambisa forest.”
@MTG9boy: “If SARS think they are so bad, send dem to sambisa. They should fight boko haram since they’re always looking for action.”
@Joshua_Ubeku: “How many Boko Haram members are seen under Ikeja bridge or Ojuelegba bridge? These are places SARS terrorise on a daily. Let them go to SAMBISA forest and fight Boko Haram there. Thieves!!!”
@dolapothefirst_: “End SARS,Turn them to soldiers and send them to Sambisa Forest. Since they love killing.”
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@DeLordEmperor: “Boko Haram are in the North. Why is SARS only in the South and killing people? Did Boko Haram change location? Anyway, I am ready to donate money for their fuel for them to go to Sambisa and properly fight Boko Haram.”
