Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector General of Police has dissolved the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.
This follows recent widespread protests and calls for the scrapping of the unit over alleged human right violations, extortions and other unethical practices.
Announcing the dissolution at a press briefing on Sunday, the IGP said: “The Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police, otherwise known as SARS, is hereby dissolved across all formations, the 36 state police command and the Federal Capital Territory where they currently exists.”
The police boss stated that new policing arrangements to address armed robbery and other violent crimes that fall within the mandate of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad would be announced in due course.
According to the IGP, the current developments and public outcry on unlawful activities by the unit would be investigated and culprits brought to book.
He further noted that a citizens and stakeholders’ forum would be set up for regularly interface with police authorities at all levels.