The nspector general of police , Mohammed Adamu has banned Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS from carrying out stop and search duties, as well as setting up roadblocks amid growing anger at routine harassment and atrocities allegedly committed by its officers. Adamu who made this known in a statement on Sunday said SARS and other tactical police units have been banned from invasion of privacy of citizens particularly through indiscriminate and unauthorised search of mobiles, laptops and smart devices. He also said members of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, and other units must always wear uniforms when they are on duty.
He said they should, focus on cases of armed robberies, kidnapping and other violent crimes, adding that police commissioners and commanders would be held liable for misconduct of officers in the areas they were in charge of. According to reports of Amnesty International investigation published in June. the Inspector General of Police ordered an immediate re-organisation of the SARS after public outcry, but little, or no change in that direction.
The rights group accused SARS officers of using torture and other ill-treatment to execute, punish and extract information from suspects”. According to the group (Amnesty), the SAR allegedly targeted men between the ages of 17 and 30, including those with dreadlocks, ripped jeans, tattoos, flashy cars or expensive gadgets ars victims. Osai Ojigho, Director, Amnesty International Nigeria, had earlier tasked the federal government and the appropriate authorities to go beyond lip service, and ensure there is real reform in SARS and other tactical police units
