Killings by SARS Operatives Worrying, Unfortunate for Nigeria- Rafsanjani
Following the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said officers and men of the police need proper reorientation and training on how to effectively discharge their duties.
According to him, it is necessary as the protection of lives and properties remains the primary duty of the police.
The News Digest reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, today announced the disbandment of SARS. Adamu announced this in a live broadcast.
Recalled that youths in Nigeria have been protesting in their large numbers over the past few days, accusing SARS operatives of unlawful arrests, tortures and killing of citizens.
Comrade Rafsanjani, while speaking to newsmen in Abuja, described the wanton killing of ‘harmless’ citizens by SARS operatives as worrying and unfortunate for the country.
He maintained that there is need to sanction rogue police personnel who kill innocent Nigerians.
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“It is important that we rise to the occasion and condemn in its entirety the brutality, human rights violation and impunity witnessed in the hands of the Nigerian police personnel. We need to ensure accountability and sanctions against police officers involved in unprofessional and illegal activities,” he noted.
Comrade Rafsanjani, commended the efforts of the National Human Rights Commission for bringing together relevant stakeholders in the fight against violation of human rights.
He said: “We at CISLAC do not support or promote any form of human right violation, and it is expedient that Nigerian youths are seen as a pivotal part of Nigeria’s developmental project. They should be encourage to stick together in ensuring the country gets better.”
According to the CISLAC helmsman, it is imperative that the welfare of police officers are prioritized, to motivate and also boost their morale in tackling criminality in the country.
“There is an urgent need to reform the entire security architecture of the country. That is the only way to go if we must arrest the spate of kidnapping, banditry and other sundry crimes. Equally germane, is the need for government to properly cater for the welfare of the police and other security agencies,” he added.
