IGP orders immediate reorganisation of SARS nationwide

As a result of public outcries against the activities and operation of the officers and men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a ‎detachment of the Nigeria Police Police, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris on Monday ordered the immediate reorganisation of the unit nationwide.

The directive was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPPRO, Noshood Jimoh.

In addition, the Police boss also approved the immediate full investigations into all allegations and complaints against the unit by the members of the public‎.

The statement reads in part, “the Nigeria Police Force has observed the recent trends of event in the Social Media on the #ENDSARSNOW and the controversy being generated by the innuendos from the allegations and other misconceptions as it concerns the operational roles and activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Undoubtedly, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has been doing very well in fighting violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnappings 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.

The  IGP said the Police is concerned with public interest and the need to reposition the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for more efficiency and effective service delivery to all Nigerians and ensure that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operates based on International Core Value of Policing with integrity and make sure the rule of law prevails in the operations and activities of the outfit, the IGP has directed the immediate re-organization of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) nationwide and instant investigation into all the allegations, complaints and infractions levelled against the personnel of the Special Anti Robbery Squad across the country by the IGP X-Squad of the Force.

“In the new arrangement, a Commissioner of Police is now the overall head of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad nationwide under the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja.

“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).