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Nigeria’s Special Anti-Theft Squad, SARS, has been disbanded.
Mohammed Adamu, the inspector general of police, made the announcement Sunday afternoon.
This follows days of protest across the country against the police operation.
Nigerians, mostly young, had taken to the streets of major cities to protest the brutality of SARS, while the hashtag “ENDSARS” has been trending for days on social media.
But in dissolving the unit on Sunday, the IGP ordered all officers and men of the now-defunct Special Anti-Theft Squad to be redeployed with immediate effect.
According to Adamu, the dissolution of SARS was in response to the wishes of Nigerians.
The IGP pointed out that the Force was not alien to the ever-present need to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country, which until now was the main mandate of the old Squad.
He assured that a new police arrangement has been developed to address the anticipated police breaches that the dissolution of SARS would cause and will be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, the IG said, “as part of the measures to prevent a recurrence of the events that led to the dissolution of SARS, a Forum of Citizens and Strategic Actors is being formed to regularly interact with the police leadership at all levels. and advise on police activities as they affect the general public.NEWS: Ondo Governor: ZLP Candidate Ajayi Wins Voting Unit
“In addition, the Force is setting up an Investigation Team that will include Civil Society Organizations and Human Rights Organizations to work with the Police in investigating alleged cases of human rights violations. The measure, the IGP believes, will improve transparency and accountability in police services, as well as provide a deterrent system for errant police officers whose action clearly violates the rights of citizens.
“The IGP appreciates and commends all citizens, particularly those who genuinely express their concerns for better police guidance in an organized, patriotic and civilized manner. It reaffirms the determination of the Force to maintain public order throughout the country.
