IGP orders restructuring of SARS

Following calls on social media for the
scrapping of the Special Anti - Robbery
Squad on account of its nefarious
activities, the Inspector - General of
Police, Ibrahim Idris has ordered
immediate re - organisation of the unit .
The police boss in a statement by the
force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood on
Monday in Abuja also ordered the
investigation of all infractions,
allegations and complaints against the
operatives of the squad by the IGP X -
Squad.
He noted that the SARS had been doing
well curbing violent crimes but
expressed concern over the calls for its
disbandment, noting that the unit
would be re - organized and
repositioned for efficiency and
effective service delivery to all
Nigerians .
Idris said , “ Under the new
arrangement , a Commissioner of
Police is now the overall head of the
Federal Anti - Robbery Squad
nationwide under the Department of
Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja.
“ The Police Zonal Commands, State
Commands and Divisions will continue
to operate anti - crime units / sections ,
crime prevention and control squads
and teams imperative to prevent and
detect crimes and criminalities in
their area of responsibility and other
crack squads necessary to sustain law
and order and protection of life and
properties.
The IG further added that the FSARS
will now exist and operate in the state
and zonal commands under the
Commissioner of Police at the Force
Headquarters.
“ A Federal SARS Commander of a Rank
of Chief Superintendent of Police and
not below Superintendent of Police
will be in charge of FSARS in State and
Zonal Commands across the country ,”
he stated .
The statement explained that all
Commissioners of Police have been
directed by the IG to comply with the
directive with immediate effect and to
warn their personnel not to pose as
SARS operatives .
It noted that the X - Squad had been
mandated to go round the commands
and police formations nationwide to
ensure strict compliance and
apprehend any errant police officer.
The police further stated that a new
training programme to be organized
by the Force in collaboration with
some civil society organizations , local
and international groups and human
rights organisations on police duties
and human rights would be held for
all FSARS personnel nationwide .
The force has however asked anyone
with complaints against SARS
personnel to report through any of
the following channels for
investigation and further actions: