IGP Scraps SARS after Widespread Protests

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has disbaned the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), nationwide with immediate effect.
The announcement of the dissolution was made on Sunday by the IGP, days after widespread protests demanding scrapping of the unit over allegations of brutality and human rights violations.
In a special media briefing at the Force headquarters in Abuja, Adamu directed all operations of FSARS to report back to the Force headquarters for reassignment of duties.
“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.
He also noted that the current developments and the outcry by sections of Nigerian have remained under constant monitoring and due assessment by the government.
According to him, the government acknowledges the inalienable rights of citizens to freedom of association and expression. A strategic and peoples forum is to be constituted for further consultations on operations of the Nigeria Police Force.

New policing arrangements to address the offenses of armed robbery and other violent crimes that fall within the mandate of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad will also be presented in due course, according to the Police boss.