There have been many trolls about the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) about their disposition of duties. This disposition of duties, many believed, against the civic and human rights of Nigerians especially the youths. However, there was a massive backlash on this agency about their unprofessionalism which was followed up by most Nigerians, including celebrities and media influencers on Twitter.
This backlash shook the media therefore resulting to some reforms being made by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who banned the personnel of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and other Tactical Squads of the Force from embarking on routine patrols
These are the following reforms;
1.The IGP has banned FSARS, STS, and IRT from routine patrol on the streets
- FSARS, STS, and IRT are also banned from conventional low-risk duties, stop and search, checkpoints, roadblock, and traffic checks with immediate effect.
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The IGP warned that no police officer including personnel from FSARS, STS, IRT is authorised to embark on patrol or tactical assignment on mufti.
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FSARS, STS, IRT personnel must appear in their police uniforms or approved tactical gear while on official assignment.
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No more indiscriminate and unauthorised search of phones and laptops and other smart devices.
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FSARS and other tactical squads must concentrate and respond only to cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes when the cases arise.
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The X-Squad and the Monitoring Unit are to monitor and arrest the erring personnel of FSARS and other policemen on the road.
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The CP in charge of FSARS, the CPs in charge of State Commands and FCT, as well as their supervisory Zonal AIGs, will be held liable of misconduct of FSARS personnel and others within their jurisdiction.
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In life with paragraph eight (8) above, the IGP has charged the affected AIGs and CPs are to ensure the effective supervision of FSARS personnel and others within their jurisdiction.
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In conclusion, the IGP has appealed to citizens not to allow the misconduct by a few personnel of the force to negatively impact on their confidence and trust in the police.
What are your views about this reforms, do you think they are substantial enough to keep the average Nigerian safe? Kindly drop your opinion in the comment section.
