The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has announced the dissolution of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS.
The IGP’s announcement comes following the nationwide #EndSARS protests.
In his speech, the IGP said:
“The Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police, otherwise known as SARS, is hereby dissolved across all formations, the 36 state police command and the Federal Capital Territory where they currently exist,” the IGP said on Sunday.
“All officers and men currently serving in the unit are to be redeployed with immediate effect.”
“The police authorities will be announcing new policing arrangements to address the offences of armed robbery and other violent crimes that fall within the mandate of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad later.”
Adamu’s announcement followed days of widespread protests by Nigerians demanding scrapping of the unit which had gained notoriety for brutality and human rights violations.
Beyond scrapping the unit, he acknowledged reports of extortion and brutality, announcing a plan for an investigation.
“To deal with the reports of crimes committed against citizens an investigation team will be constituted which will include civil society organisations for transparency and the culprits will be punished,” he said.
