Police set to sack 37 ex-SARS officers

About 37 former members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad are set to be dismissed from the police.

This is part of a report of the Presidential Panel on Reform of SARS set up by the Federal Government in 2018 to reform the unit.

It also recommended the prosecution of 24 other ex-SARS operatives for professional misconduct.

Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, who presented the report to the PSC Chairman, Musiliu Smith, in Abuja on Friday, called for a speedy implementation of the panel’s recommendations.

The presidential panel had, among other things, investigated allegations of human rights violations and abuse of office against SARS.

A statement by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, reported Ojukwu as saying the PSC chairman had all it takes to act promptly on the report of the panel.

The statement was titled, ‘PSC to partner Human Rights Commission, promises immediate action on report of presidential panel on reform of SARS.’

Ojukwu said, “We have come to see a PSC determined to play a leading role in the reform of the Nigeria Police Force.”

He also said the reform was the most topical issue in the country today, adding that a lot was expected from the PSC.

The panel, he said, received 113 complaints on alleged human rights violations across the country and 22 memoranda on suggestions on how to reform and restructure SARS and the Nigeria Police Force.

The statement said, “Ojukwu said at the end of the public hearing, the panel recommended 37 police officers for dismissal and 24 were recommended for prosecution.

“The panel also directed the Inspector -General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens.”

Responding, Smith said the PSC would collaborate with and support the NHRC in the promotion of good governance.

He, however, said that for effective reform of “the much-maligned SARS,” there must be a deliberate effort to select capable, professional and credible people to replace the disbanded outfit.

The selected officers, he added, must be properly trained and exposed to regular training.

Smith stated, “There must also be close supervision of the newly selected officers so that the nation will not experience the rot that became the fate of the disbanded unit.”

He stressed that any misconduct by them should be severely and promptly handled.

The former IG said the government should show more concern for the funding of its vital agencies in order to do their job well.

He also stressed the need for proper and good accommodation for police officers to put in their best.