We view with grave sadness and increasing concern, the reign of terror and abuse of civil liberties being unleashed on hapless citizens by some unprofessional elements within the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force, who appear intent on tarnishing the reputation of the Force.
It is appalling that even as the Nigeria Police hierarchy gave directives restraining its errant units in 2012, 2017, 2019 and 2020; the same units have persisted in their dastardly routine with increased impunity.
NAS recognises the good contribution of SARS to crime fighting efforts of Nigerian Police Force, and urges the leadership of Nigerian Police Force to urgently address the arbitrary, unprofessional and extrajudicial activities of some SARS Officers and Units, and ensure that they stop taking laws into their hands by torturing, killing or maiming suspects who are considered innocent until pronounced guilty by courts of competent jurisdiction.
We therefore join our voice to the deafening din for a holistic reform of the Nigerian Police to enable it live up to the constitutional mandate which is to provide security for law-abiding citizens.
The Police Service Commission, the Nigerian Police Council and Federal Ministry of Interior must also deliver on their responsibility for compelling the necessary ethical standards amongst all Nigerian Police personnel towards the fulfilment of their true community responsibility as friends and protectors of the Nigerian people.
National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity)
October 4th, 2020
