IGP Finally Scraps Special Anti-Robbery Squad Nationwide

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohamed Adamu, has dissolved the special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) commands.

The IGP, at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, said the dissolution of SARS was in response to the yearnings of the Nigerian people.

Adamu, however, observed that by this dissolution, all officers and men of the now defunct Special Anti-robbery Squad were being redeployed with immediate effect.

The IGP noted that the Force was not oblivious of the ever present need to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country, which was before now the core mandate of the erstwhile Squad.

He assured that a new policing arrangement to address anticipated policing gaps the dissolution of SARS would cause has been evolved and shall be announced in due course.https://galleria.com.ng/pushgalleriaads?q=201&i=59&ho=dailyasset.ng

Meanwhile, as part of measures to prevent a re-occurrence of events that gave rise to the dissolution of SARS, a Citizens’ and Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum is being formed to regularly interface with Police leadership at all levels and advise on police activities as they affect the general public.

In addition, the Forum is constituting an Investigation Team which shall include Civil Society Organizations and Human Rights Bodies to work with the Police in investigating alleged cases of human rights violations.

 The measure, the IGP said, “will enhance transparency and accountability in police services as well as providing a system of deterrence for erring police officers whose action clearly violates the rights of the citizenry”.

” The IGP appreciates and commends all citizens particularly those who genuinely express their concerns for a better policing orientation in an organized, patriotic and civil manner.

“He reaffirms the determination of the Force to bequeath to the country a Police Force and System that is professional in service delivery and most importantly, accountable to the people. 

Ex-Police Commissioners, Stakeholders Hail  Dissolution

Two Commissioners of Police yesterday hailed the decision of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) squad throughout the country.

The dissolution followed their alleged reckless behaviours on the society.

The commissioners, who spoke with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that the dissolution of SARS would help in reducing violence erupting from various anti-protesting groups across the country.

One of them, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said that the peaceful protest organised by responsible citizens had been hijacked by hoodlums to perpetuate crime and create unrest in the society.

“The dissolution of the anti-robbery unit will help to lessen the  aggression fuelled by protesting youths and hopefully stabilise decorum in the society,” Owoseni, a retired commissioner of police said.

Also speaking, Commissioner Awotunde Awoshola said that the IGP made a smart decision by disbanding the unit for peace to be restored in the country.

Awoshola said that the excesses of the anti-robbery unit had to be checked and that could only be achieved by disbanding the unit.

“However, the disbandment of SARS will only create room for the establishment of another security outfit. We hope that the new outfit will carry out the objectives of the Federal Government to the letter,” he said.

Also, Mr Monday Ubani, a lawyer, supported the decision of the government to bring an end to SARS as a way of listening to the voices and cries of the public.

Ubani, however, said that the disbandment would only create room for a better anti-robbery unit to be brought to play to continue the fight against crime in the society.

“There is going to be a workout programme by the Nigeria Police Force, Civic Society group and major stakeholders on who will replace SARS in fighting crime,” he said.

Ubani said that the officials of the disbanded unit usually picked on well-dressed young men who use expensive phones and try to extort money from them based on the premise they were internet fraudsters.

“This has led to harassment and an infringement on the rights of such citizens which is unacceptable,” he said.

Also, a social critic and a human rights activist, Mr Kehinde Nubi, said that the government should set up a panel to investigate the crimes committed by the officials of the SARS for justice to prevail.

Nubi said that this was not the first time that a special unit of the police would be disbanded after a public outcry only for the unit to be brought back.

“A disbandment of the unit is not only satisfactory. We need the government to set up a panel that will punish erring officials of SARS as a deterrent to others,” he said. (NAN)

‘It’s Throwing Baby with Bathwater Water’- Group

However, a socio-political group in Bauchi, the Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) has advised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) against scrapping the Special Anti-Robbery Squad popularly known as FSARS.

Addressing newsmen in Bauchi through its spokesperson, Mr Ukasha Hamza, the group said the role being played by the squad in checking the activities of criminals, especially on the highways, could not be waived aside.

It said what the squad needed was reform to enable it operate in conformity with the rules of engagement by respecting and upholding the fundamental rights of the citizenry.

The group described as commendable, the recent directive by the IGP that Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands and Assistant Inspectors General of Police in charge of zones, should monitor the activities of the squad.

NYAN lamented that security breaches, especially highway robbery and kidnapping, were in the increase, saying scraping of FSARS would further compound the already deplorable security situation.

Advent and Growth of SARS

SARS was founded in 1992 by former Police Commissioner, Simeon Danladi Midenda when one Col. Rindam of the Nigerian Army was killed by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.


When the information reached the Army, soldiers were dispatched into the streets of Lagos in search of any police officer and they withdrew from checkpoints while some resigned, others fled for their lives.
Due to the absence of police, crime rate increased and another SARS was formed with only 15 officers operating in the shadows without knowledge of the Army, while monitoring police radio chatters.

Midenda named his team Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). After months of dialogue, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force came to an understanding and official police duties began again in Lagos.


In 2009, after several years of operations, the squad grew in number and strength, but  due to the surge of internet fraudsters and cultism in universities, SARS operatives infiltrated Nigerian universities, made several successful arrests, but in the process harassed innocent youths.
In May 2010, Amnesty International vowed to sue Nigerian Police over human rights abuse stating that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Borokiri,  Port Harcourt arrested three motor cyclists, detained them for over one week with routine beating.

On June 3, 2011, the Nigeria Police Forced discovered an attempt by a SARS operative Musa Agbu to bomb the Force Headquarters because the then IGP, Hafiz Ringim, scuttled his ambition.
Following several reports of human rights violation by members of the public to the office of the Inspector General of Police, on 7
On August 7, 2015, the then IGP Solomon Arase announced that it would be splitting the SARS unit into two units, operational unit and the investigation unit to curtail case of human rights violation and abuse.


At its formation, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad was known to operate covertly, not allowed to wear uniform, publicly carry guns or have walkie-talkies. They were given unmarked vehicles with sometimes no license plates or private plate numbers, but today the story has changed.

While some well-placed politicians, over the years, had been using members of members of SARS to perpetrate their nefarious acts, the police had not been exonerated from other forms of crimes and molestations in the country.

On 14 August, 2018 the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo ordered the overhaul of the SARS following reports of human rights violation.
The acting president ordered the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, to reform SARS as well as carry out an independent investigation after “persistent complaints and reports” that concerns human rights violation.

[15]After the order, the IGP announced that the unit would be renamed to Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad,[16] a new head of the unit would be appointed and also the provision of human rights desk officers to check reports.[17][18]

Last January 21, Mohammed Adamu, ordered the immediate decentralization of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The SARS unit was centralized from the force headquarters in Abuja and directed that the DIG of Force Criminal Investigations Department and Commissioners of Police in each state would be held accountable for actions of the SARS.

Also last year, while SARS operatives were on a raid in Ijegun to arrest kidnappers in the area, operatives of the unit fired several shots in a bid to subdue the kidnappers and during the course of action, a stray bullet hit a pregnant woman, she reportedly died on the spot. An angry mob was said to have lynched two police officers on spot.

Four SARS operatives were arrested and charged with murder after being caught on film manhandling and then shooting to death two suspected phone thieves in broad daylight, last August

On September 5, 2019, SARS Squad in Lekki, Lagos allegedly kidnapped, tortured and robbed Nigerian rapper Ikechukwu Onunaku and forced him to make several withdrawals at the ATM.

The antics of SARS continued until recently, when Nigerian youths, adult men and women took to the streets of major towns demanding their disbandment.

Related Articles

142 COMMENTS

  1. I think everything published made a ton of sense.
    However, think on this, what if you were to write a
    awesome headline? I am not suggesting your content is not solid., however suppose you added
    a title that makes people desire more? I mean IGP Finally
    Scraps Special Anti-Robbery Squad Nationwide – Law and Society
    Magazine. is a little plain. You should look at
    Yahoo’s home page and watch how they create news headlines to grab viewers interested.

    You might try adding a video or a related picture or two to get people excited about
    what you’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it would make your posts
    a little bit more interesting.

    Also visit my website … https://zenwriting.net/bagge35kelly/are-you-discovering-the-thorough-info-concerning-the-super-heroine-wonder-woman

  2. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.
    Nevertheless think about if you added some great visuals or videos to give your
    posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with
    pics and videos, this website could definitely be one of the greatest in its niche.
    Amazing blog!

    Also visit my web-site: http://www.4mark.net/story/6161745/the-untapped-gold-mine-of-minecraft-server-that-nearly-no-one-is-aware-of-about

  3. I blog quite often and I seriously thank you for your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest.

    I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new
    details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.

    Feel free to surf to my page :: reda.sa

  4. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
    My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would definitely benefit from some of the information you
    present here. Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Regards!

    Take a look at my web page – hot cosplay costumes

  5. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance.

    I must say that you’ve done a fantastic job with this.
    Also, the blog loads very fast for me on Firefox. Superb Blog!

    Also visit my web page … OneHeroSuits

  6. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like
    to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

    My website: https://notes.io/Yvq6

  7. First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
    I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
    I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to
    15 minutes tend to be wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?
    Many thanks!

    Feel free to surf to my homepage; http://www.playareas.com

  8. I feel that is among the so much important info for
    me. And i am happy studying your article. But should
    statement on some normal things, The website style is great, the
    articles is in point of fact nice : D. Just right activity, cheers

    My web-site :: brewwiki.win

  9. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish
    be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this
    increase.

    Feel free to visit my website … https://www.buycco.com/anakin-skywalker-cosplay-costume-star-wars-cotton-fabric-suit.html

  10. Hey would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this
    blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a honest price?
    Thanks, I appreciate it!

    Here is my blog … https://diigo.com/0nqif8

  11. I like the valuable info you supply on your articles. I will bookmark your blog and take a look
    at once more here frequently. I am reasonably sure I will learn many new
    stuff proper right here! Good luck for the following!

    Have a look at my website: discuss

  12. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS.

    I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it.

    Is there anybody else getting similar RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

    Review my web blog – agrowbot.etvamerica.com

  13. I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours
    lately, yet I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours.
    It’s lovely price sufficient for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as
    you probably did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.

    Take a look at my web site sy714.net

  14. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He constantly kept preaching about this. I’ll send this information to him.
    Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. Thanks
    for sharing!

    my webpage :: xt_blog

  15. Hey There. I discovered your weblog the usage of msn. That is a very well written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your useful info.
    Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.

    Feel free to visit my web page … ticketbud.com

  16. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.

    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on numerous websites for about
    a year and am worried about switching to another platform.

    I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.

    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Here is my page: http://ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk/login?url=https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/1068642/Home/What_325_Buys_You_In_Minecraft_Server

  17. Greetings from California! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse
    your website on my iphone during lunch break.
    I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, fantastic blog!

    My homepage :: discuss

  18. Hi there I am so excited I found your site, I really found you by
    accident, while I was looking on Digg for something else,
    Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all round exciting blog (I
    also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent job.

    my web site – http://alra7al.net/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=bearounce5

  19. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any
    high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of house .
    Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site.
    Studying this info So i’m glad to express that I’ve an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I
    needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to
    do not omit this website and provides it a glance regularly.

    Feel free to visit my web-site :: clinfowiki.win

  20. Great blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any message
    boards that cover the same topics discussed here?

    I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other experienced
    individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
    Thanks!

    Check out my blog … eshopee.cn

  21. It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    I’ve read this submit and if I may I want to
    counsel you few attention-grabbing issues or advice.
    Perhaps you can write next articles regarding this article.
    I desire to learn even more issues about it!

    Visit my webpage: forums.bestbuy.com

  22. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and
    found that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will be grateful if you continue this in future.
    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Check out my web page qooh.me

  23. Ꮋey there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Ɗo
    you know how to make youг site mobile friendly?
    My weblpg looks weird when browsing from my іphone. I’m trying tto find a template or рlugin that might
    be able to гesolve this problem. If you have any гecommendations, please share.
    Thɑnks!

    Here іs my ѕite … daftar sbotop

  24. Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse
    your site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like
    the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good site!

    Here is my site http://www.kickstarter.com

  25. I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning
    this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content
    by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated
    me to get my very own blog now 😉

    My homepage … zeromanual.com

  26. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored
    subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.

    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same
    nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

    my web blog :: http://www.freeok.cn

  27. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave
    it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the
    shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and
    it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

    my blog – https://www.openstreetmap.org/edit

  28. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it,
    you might be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your
    blog and definitely will come back later on. I want to encourage you continue your great writing, have a nice
    evening!

    Feel free to visit my website – 5jyyy.com

  29. Hello! This post could not be written any better!
    Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate!

    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him.
    Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

    my webpage mttcoin.com

  30. Hello There. I discovered your weblog using msn. This is a very smartly written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of
    your helpful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.

    Here is my page … vimeo.com

  31. Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

    Look into my web page :: spamdb.science

  32. Wonderfuⅼ beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a
    blߋց ѡeb site? The account hеlped me a acceptawble ⅾeal.
    І had been a ⅼittle bit acquainted of this your broadcast offeгeɗ bright clear concept

    Also visit mmy webpage; lihat disini

  33. Wondderfսl site you have here bᥙt I was cuгious about
    if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about inn this article?
    I’ⅾ really like to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeɑble individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any sսggestions, plеase let mе know.
    Many thanks!

    Also visіot my web blog … pragmatic88

  34. Hello ցгeat Ƅlog! Does running a blo similar too this require a gresаt deal of work?
    I have aЬsolutely no understanding of compute programming but I had been hoping tto start my own blog in the nwar futurе.
    Anywayѕ, should yyou have anny recommendations or techniques
    for new ƅlog owners please share. I understandd thios is off topic
    but I simply had t᧐ ask. Kudos!

    Check out my homepɑge – kunjungi website

Stay Connected.

1,169,000FansLike
34,567FollowersFollow
1,401,000FollowersFollow
0SubscribersSubscribe
- Advertisement -

Latest Articles