Nigerians React to Federal Sars Ban

Reactions have trailed over the ban of 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.
The ban by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu which made news yesterday, came against the backdrop of findings by the leadership of the Force that a few personnel of the Tactical Squads hide under disguise to perpetrate all forms of illegality, contrary to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement establishing the squads.
Federal SARS and the Special Squads are also banned from carrying out routine patrols and other conventional low-risk duties including stop and search duties, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks, traffic checks, etc – with immediate effect.

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

A statement by DCP Frank Mba on Sunday said, “Also, no personnel of the Force is authorized to embark on patrols or tactical assignments in mufti. They must always appear in their police uniforms or approved tactical gear.
“Specifically, the IGP has warned the Tactical Squads against the invasion of the privacy of citizens particularly through an indiscriminate and unauthorized search of mobile phones, laptops, and other smart devices.
“The IGP has equally warned, that henceforth, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands and the FCT as well as their supervisory Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police, will be held liable for any misconduct within their Area of Responsibility (AOR).
“He, therefore, charged them to ensure effective supervision and mentoring of the personnel of the Tactical Squads under their jurisdiction.
Here is what Nigeria’s who reacted to the tweet has to say

It's about time. Even though it's coming rather late. The crimes of the above mentioned are enormous. Better late than never. Next time take reports on social media seriously by launching an investigation on your officers. There are more criminals in the police now.

— Chibueze Ndeokwelu (@chibuezendeokwe) October 5, 2020

This is a very nice move. We pray they yield to that because some of them will still disturb innocent citizens out of negligence. They didn't act in line with what they are known to be at all. I can't blame them, what command do they listen to before they shot? Apparently NONE!

— Anonymous (@mhiztarfabulous) October 4, 2020

As for me, I will disregard this information, because this is not the first time such would be saying by the IGP.

No trust whatsoever among the Nigerian police force anymore, I kept reporting some officers who are always in mufti to carry out their evil act, expert in extortion

— Anonymous 😎 (@OladSam20) October 4, 2020

This 4th time in 4yrs you banned SARs yet they still come back 💔💔

— Rahmon (@arikuyeri11) October 4, 2020

We need enforcement of this directive please, some people have suffered injustice.
There should be investigation of complaints to build trust between the police and citizens.

— Olu Akin (@realoluakin) October 4, 2020

For Nigerians, one thing is to ban the SARS from forms of illegality another thing is to ensure adherence by the force who trample on ‘civilians’ The people are looking up to positive actions.