The Network on Police Reform In Nigeria, NOPRIN, has said that the action of the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu to disband the satellite offices and the bases of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) deserves an accolade as it is a positive response to the outcries of many Nigerians who have suffered in their hands and custody over the years.
A couple of reports by notable individuals and Civil Society Organisations including the past National Coordinator of the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN Foundation) now the Executive Director of RULAAC Mr. Okechwukwu Nwanguma have raised questions on the activities of these units as well the criminal activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and how the Nigeria Police Force has suffered series of backlash from local and international communities as to the level of impunity and unprofessionalism exhibited by these various units.
Considering the countless number of extrajudicial killings, torture, assaults, violence and extortions perpetrated by these units, NOPRIN said that the society is better and even safer without them.
In a statement by Ikule Emmanuel, National Coordinator of the organization, “With the other units and departments like the Central Intelligence Unit, the Complaint Response Unit and the others within the force working silently within the confines of the law and achieving great strides, the society is better off even though they also have their flaws.
“We raise our voice once more to appreciate this decisive move and urge the IGP to extend similar action to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit as well. Apart from the petitions and press releases we in the Civil Society Sector have submitted, there have been numerous complaints and testimonies from individuals and groups within and outside the country of the degree of impunity and misconduct of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad Unit.
“From the brutal murder of Tiyamiyu, the torture of Chima to death, the extortion and unlawful arrest and torture of Chidi Oluchi among several others. Various reports also reveal how they enrich themselves with the items stolen and seized from their victims and their relative, how the poor and defenceless ones are the most affected. They get involved in non-criminal offences and carry out high degree of torture on suspects on little issues of misunderstanding.”
NOPRIN recalled that the unaccountability and refusal to acknowledge their evil acts was unbearable and deserved immediate action for a safer and much better society.
