October 05, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

Most recently Nigeria's inspector general of police has ordered and banned the Nigerian police and its Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit for their invasion of privacy of citizens, alleged brutality, extortion, and harassment against Nigerians. The ban on the SARS unit prohibits its officers from carrying out stop and search duties, the unauthorized search of mobiles, laptops, and smart devices, and setting up roadblocks.

Nigeria's police chief had ordered an immediate reorganization of the SARS unit after a public outcry 3 years ago, but little has changed since then. The SARS unit of the Nigerian police was set up initially to confront armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related violent crimes. Erroneously, the SARS unit has allegedly turned into an oppressor of the Nigerian citizens. Numerous reported intimidation, harassment and outright extortion by the SARS officers have constantly unabated.

The latest condemn was triggered by the alleged killing of a young man by the SARS officers from the city of Lagos on October 3. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar denounced the alleged SARS harassment and attacks. They have called for immediate investigations to unravel the truth.

In addition, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced to take appropriate actions to protect the safety of all residents. The police commissioner has also ordered X-Squad, CP Monitoring Team, and Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) to arrest any policeman who wrongfully deviates from the normal ethics and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Nigeria Police within Lagos State.

Photo:Webshot.