A Coalition of Concerned Nigerians, on Monday in Abuja, protested and called for an outright scrapping of the entire Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit across the country, saying its members have become engrossed in crime, murder, brutality, extortion and disrespect for the rule of law in a manner that makes any attempt at reform a waste of time.
The protesters then gave the police authorities 21 days within which to meet their demands, failure to which they would be compelled to resort to other measures to embarrass them in taking another action.
They also demanded the constitution of a panel by the Police Service Commission (PSC) to reform the Nigerian Police in its entirety, which its agenda must include the provisions for better training of police officers; provision of better equipment and firearms; better welfare including housing, insurance, prompt payment of salaries and pensions; establishment of a code of conduct and strict compliance thereto and strong disciplinary measures for any officer who violates the code of conduct.
In his swift response, however, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, said the unit has something to offer Nigeria and would be given an opportunity to operate, pointing out that those found wanting would not go unpunished.
According to the protesters, Nigerians have spent the last one week highlighting the travails many Nigerians suffer at the hands of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS). The stories that have been recounted on social media include stories of torture, a lack of respect for the rule of law, extortion, extrajudicial murder and the disappearance of hundreds of people.
In a prepared speech which was jointly signed by the Convener of #EndSARS, Segun Awosanya; Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju; Coalition In Defence Of Nigerian Democracy, Ariyo Dare Atoye; Our Mumu Don Do Movement, Adebayo Raphael; as well as Public Interest Lawyer, Abdul Mahmud and Campaign For Democracy, Bako Abdul Usman, a copy of which was obtained by the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, the protesters said, the actions were indicative that the unit has outlived its usefulness and now constituted a clear and present threat to the safety, wellbeing and welfare of most Nigerians.
“We also demand a public hearing at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enable Nigerians to table their grievances before our elected representatives as well as the submission of memoranda on reforms of the Nigerian Police including recommendations on the amendment of laws to ensure a more efficient police force.
“We demand thorough investigations into complaints filed against SARS officers. We demand that such officers be identified and immediately brought to justice. In some cases, we will provide video and pictorial evidence against officers who have been seen to be involved in such acts of brutality and extortion.
“We give the authorities 21 days within which to meet these demands failing which we will be compelled to resort to other measures to embarrass them into taking action”, the protesters vowed.
In their own protest in support of the reform of SARS, the Eminent Persons Forum, the Concerned Market Men and Women Association and other Civil Society Groups led by its National Coordinator, Hajia Hadiza Ishaku, urged the IGP Idris not to be distracted, as those who were calling for its outright scrapping have sent their families members abroad.
The protesters, who started the protest from the Eagle Square to the Force Headquarters, said if the unit was scrapped, armed robbers would take over the entire community, hence, the need to have the unit intact.
Responding on behalf of the IGP, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Operations, Mr. Habilla Isahak, said the police would investigate the cases which have been brought before the public, saying the police authorities would rebrand the unit, and those who had violated people’s right, taken people’s lives could not go unpunished
“For the Police, we know SARS has something to offer, but there are some members of the public who feel they have something to offer, there are those who said they must go, we must be careful in reaching conclusion to say they must be jetted out.
“We are bringing in non-governmental organizations, human right, we’ve done that before but not comprehensive, you will join us to see the training and you will join us to see our selection.
“I think SARS has something to offer this country and we will give them an opportunity, those of them that will keep out, there is a very clear procedure in the Nigeria Police for punishment, it is well detailed and we have been using them. They were not just removed from the system but are in prison, they lost their jobs and still in prison, this we shall continue to do”, he assured them.
It will be recalled that the alleged highhandedness, brutality and extrajudicial execution perpetrated by the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) informed the nationwide protest.