The Force Spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, talks about SARS and the complaints against some of its personnel with Punch.
what is the requirement for enlistment in SARS?
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad is a specialised unit of the Force that deals with armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, car snatching and the like; any crime involving use of firearms. Like in Numan, Adamawa State where militia are attacking people, the SARS had been deployed along with other units of the Force. To be in SARS, first, you must be a policeman, a general duty officer, and you must have been in the job for not less than five years. You must also have prerequisite experience before you can be posted to the squad. The officer would also undergo operational training as well as training on handling of suspects. We are quite concerned with the complaints against SARS and that is why the Inspector-General of Police has directed its re-organisation. We know that most of the complaints and allegations against SARS are not always true, but the IG has ordered an investigation to ascertain them. He has also directed that human rights desk be set up in all the state commands to handle rights abuse by SARS operatives. So, the people who started the #EndSARS campaign can channel their grievances to the desk officers for investigation. SARS has been in existence for over 40 years and it is essential to the force, so we cannot dismantle it.










