The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Idris Kpotun, has directed the immediate dismantling and re-organisation  of the  Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), operation nationwide following several  public complaints against the operatives.

 The IGP, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, in reaction  to the complaints by the members of public on the misconducts of the operatives across the nation, said there should be immediate reorganization of the operatives and investigation into all allegations and complaints raised.

 “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-organization 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 statement read in part.

 The statement said further that, in the new arrangement, a Commissioner of Police would now be the overall head of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad nationwide under the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja

 “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.

 He, however, emphasized that the SARS have been doing very well in fighting violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnappings and cattle rustling in the country in the recent time resulting in reduction of incidents of the mentioned violent crimes nationwide

 Aggrieved members of the public who have any complaint in the past or present of violation of their rights by any SARS personnel anywhere in the country are to report through any of the following channels for investigation and further actions: IGP X-SQUAD0902 690 0729 – CALLS0903 227 8905 – SMS0903 562 1377 – whatsappEmail:integrityxsquad@gmail.com