Following complaints against the unwholesome activities of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris,
yesterday dismantled the Squad nationwide.
While ordering for immediate reorganization, he said investigation of the SARS should be carried our to examine the extent of allegation leveled against them by the IGP X-Squad of the Force.
Mr. Jimoh Moshood, the Force PRO, in a statement said the IGP took the decision because of his concern about the recent public interest and the need to reposition the SARS for more efficiency and effective service delivery to Nigerians and foreigners.
According to him, SARS will be remodeled based on international core value of policing with integrity to make sure the rule of law prevails in the operations and activities of the outfit.
He said: “The Nigeria Police Force has observed the recent trends of event in the social media on the #EnSARSNOW and the controversy being generated by the innuendos from the allegations and other misconceptions as it concerns the operational roles and activities of SARS, a detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Undoubtedly, SARS have been doing very well in fighting violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the country in the recent time and this has resulted in drastic reduction of incidents of the mentioned violent crimes nationwide.”
Under a new arrangement, he Said a Commissioner of Police will now the overall head of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad nationwide under the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters to be based in Abuja.
According to him, the Police Zonal Commands, State Commands and Divisions will continue to operate anti-crime units/sections, crime prevention and control squads and teams imperative to prevent and detect crimes and criminalities in their area of responsibilities and other crack squads necessary to sustain law and order and protection of life and properties in their Area of responsibilities (AOR).
Idris said aggrieved members of the public who have any complaint in the past or present of violation of their rights by any SARS personnel anywhere in the country should report to some designated police stations across the country.