#EndSARS: IGP Bows To Pressure, Orders Immediate Re-organisation Of Outfit

Days after many Nigerians have joined the call for scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Monday ordered immediate re-organisation of the unit.

The IGP gave the order in a statement issued on his behalf by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Yusuf Jimoh.

According to him, the re-organisation will affect all the units of the crime-bursting outfit across all the state commands, adding that it was in public interest and the need to ensure efficiency in the unit.

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) had earlier sought opinions of Nigerians on what should become of SARS after it came under severe criticism over alleged extortion and abuse of rights of the Nigerian citizens.

Below is the statement ordering SARS re-organisation:

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris concerned with public interest and the need to reposition the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for more efficiency and effective service delivery to all has directed the immediate re-organisation of the SARS nationwide and 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.

“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 Responsibilities, and other crack squads necessary to sustain law and order and protection of life and properties in their Area of responsibilities (AOR).

“Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) will now exist and operate in the State and Zonal Commands under the Commissioner of Police (F-SARS) at the Force Headquarters.

“A Federal SARS Commander of a Rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and not below Superintendent of Police (SP) will be in charge of FSARS in State and Zonal Commands across the Country. All Commissioners of Police have been directed by the Inspector General of Police to comply with this directive with immediate effect and warn their personnel not to pose as SARS operatives. The IGP X-Squad has been mandated to go round the Commands and Police Formations nationwide to ensure strict compliance and apprehend any erring police officer,” the statement read.