#EndSARS: IGP Orders Reorganization Of Anti-Robbery Squad, Probe Of Alleged Crimes

While noting that SARS has curbed armed robbery,
kidnapping and cattle rustling among other crimes, the
statement explained that the IGP has ordered an
investigation into the allegations made against SARS
and a restructuring of the squad.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has
ordered the immediate reorganization of the Special Anti-
Robbery Squad (SARS) and an investigation into the allegations
of atrocities leveled against its operatives.
This was announced in a statement signed by Jimoh Moshood,
the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO). According to the
statement, the IGP’s order was in response to the social
media campaign, #ENDSARSNOW, urging the disbandment of SARS
due to the alleged involvement of some of its officers in
illegal activities.
While noting that SARS has curbed armed robbery, kidnapping
and cattle rustling among other crimes, the statement explained
that the IGP has ordered an investigation into the allegations
made against SARS and a restructuring of the squad.
“The IGP has directed the immediate reorganization of the
Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) nationwide and an instant
investigation into all the allegations, complaints and
infractions levelled against the personnel of the Special Anti-
Robbery Squad across the country by the IGP X-Squad of the
Force. In 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,” said the statement.
It added that the zonal and state commands as well as
divisions will continue to operate anti-crime units, crime
prevention and control squads to prevent and detect crimes and
criminalities in their respective jurisdictions.
The statement equally explained that the Federal Anti-Robbery
Squad (FSARS) will, from now on, exist and operate in the
state and zonal commands under the Commissioner of Police,
FSARS, at the Force Headquarters.
As part of the reorganization, the IGP also directed that a
FSARS Commander of the rank of of Chief Superintendent of
Police (CSP) and not below Superintendent of Police (SP)
will be in charge of state and zonal commands of FSARS
across the Country. The IGP equally directed all Commissioners
of Police to immediately carry out the new directives and warn
police personnel against posing as SARS operatives.
To ensure compliance, the IGP X-Squad has been mandated to
go around the state commands and police formations nationwide
to apprehend defaulters.
The statement also disclosed that a new training program on
core police duties, respect for human rights and humane
handling and care of suspects in custody will be required for
all FSARS operatives. The program, explained the statement,
will be conducted in collaboration with civil society
organizations, local and international non-governmental
organizations and other human rights bodies.
The IGP urged members of the public who have complaints of
rights violations committed by SARS operatives to lodge reports
through a variety of platforms, including telephone and social
media.