Breaking: IGP bans SARS from using firearms

FSARS have been banned from using firearms by Inspector-General of Police.

In line with the Inspector-General of Police orders on measures to stop the excesses of policemen attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, (FSARS), and other tactical units, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS, Imohimi Edgal, embarked on measures towards implementing the police head’s orders, OnyxNews Nigeria reports.

He said, henceforth, no personnel of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), would be issued firearms except for guard duties, at the base, and to respond to violent crimes as they happen. He mentioned that all FSARS teams on routine patrol have been withdrawn in compliance with the IGP’s directive.

He stated that in order to improve on the efficiency and effectiveness of FSARS and ensure they defend the fundamental human rights of the citizens, the unit has drawn up a training/capacity symposium which will start this week in Abuja in collaboration with civilian partners and Non-Governmental Organisations, (NGO’s) target at explaining the rule of law tenets and Nigerians fundamental rights.

He went further to say no FSARS personnel will henceforth attend to any violent crimes except he was kitted in his approved jacket to guide the public.

Edgal said, “only FSARS operatives have the right to wear a jacket with the inscription ‘FSARS’, saying all other states Special Anti Robbery Squads, (SAR), which are commanded by state commissioners of police are to wear the inscription SARS without F.”

He, therefore, called on state Commissioners and Commanders of tactical units to join hands to ensure the total success of all the directives and reforms regarding FSARS and SARS operations by the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu.

He vowed again to the members of the public that the era of ‘slap on the wrist or cover-ups’ of any policeman caught involving himself in any matter that will tarnish the image of the force was over, Security and Safety matters reported.

“Henceforth, maximum disciplinary penalty awaits such policemen,” he said.