The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has banned the personnel of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and other Tactical Squads of the Force including the Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism Squad and other Tactical Squads operating at the Federal, Zonal and Command levels from carrying out routine patrols.
This directive was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, on Sunday, October 4, 2020.
The ban is coming on the heels of fresh cries by Nigerians calling for the abolition of SARS after men of the security operative allegedly shot and killed a young man in Delta State.
The unit has been accused of several human rights violations especially ofyoung Nigerians who are seen carrying laptop computers.
Adamu also warned officers against invasion of the privacy of citizens and unauthorized search of mobile phones, laptops and other smart devices, adding that they are to concentrate and respond only to cases of armed robbery, kidnapping when the need arises.
In addition, no personnel of the Force is authorized to embark on patrols or tactical assignments in mufti.
IGP BANS FSARS, OTHER POLICE TACTICAL SQUADS FROM ROUTINE PATROLS
– As Police Arrest 2 FSARS Operatives, 1 Civilian Accomplice in Lagos State
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has banned the personnel of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) October 4, 2020
They must always appear in their police uniforms or approved tactical gear. The IGP’s directives come against the backdrop of findings by the leadership of the Force that a few personnel of the Tactical Squads hide under these guises to perpetrate all forms of illegality, contrary to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement establishing the squads.
Read the full statement below:
Photo Credit: FGN
