Following public outcry by Nigerians, over the excessive use of force, extortion, killings by men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Commissioner of Police in Charge, Egdal Imohimi, has announced that no operative would be allowed to carry firearms henceforth.
He said the decision is inline with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
He said only officers on guard durties or operatives responding to violent crimes as they occur, will be allowed to bear arms.
According to him, all FSARS teams on routine patrol had been withdrawn with immediate effect.
However, to ensure the effectiveness of FSARS and ensure they uphold the fundamental human rights of the citizens, the unit has drawn up a training/capacity workshop which would kick off this week in Abuja in collaboration with civilian partners and Non-Governmental Organisations, (NGO’s) aimed at emphasising the tenets of the rule of law and fundamental rights of Nigerians.
He noted that, only FSARS operatives kitted in the approved jackets will be allowed to respond to violent crimes.
In his word, only FSARS operatives have the right to wear a jacket with the inscription ‘FSARS’, saying all other states Special Anti Robbery Squads, (SARS), which are commanded by state commissioners of police, are to wear the inscription SARS without “F.”
More so, he used the opportunity to urge state commissioners and commanders of tactical units to join hands to ensure that all the directives and reforms regarding FSARS and SARS operations are adhered to.
Edgal, reassured the public that the era of ‘a slap on the wrist or cover-ups’ of any policeman caught involving himself in any matter that would tarnish the image of the force was over.
“Henceforth, maximum disciplinary penalty awaits such policemen,” he stated.
