The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The APC views the “responsive decision as a major and concrete step towards President Muhammadu Buhari affirmed resolve to achieve better policing and necessary reforms.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, had earlier announced the immediate disbandment of SARS across all the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The disbandment came on the heels of nationwide protests by Nigerians, who had been calling for the dissolution of SARS over allegations of extra-judicial killings, extortion and rights abuse.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by APC Spokesman, Yekini Nabena, the party said the need for police reforms in Nigeria was urgent and continuous.
Nabena said the need for police reforms was neccesitated by the recent #BlackLivesMatter social movement to other global clamours for review of police operations particularly in regard to citizens they are empowered to protect.
The APC spokesman said: “From the recent #BlackLivesMatter social movement to other global clamours for review of Police operations particularly in regard to citizens they are empowered to protect, the need for Police reforms in Nigeria is urgent and continuous.
“With benefit of experience and public outcry over the operations of the now disbanded SARS, the APC is confident that the new policing arrangement promised by the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed will balance the need to effectively combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country and ensure humane, professional and accountable police operations.
“We call on Nigerians to take advantage of the Citizens’ and Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum which is being formed to regularly interface with Police leadership at all levels and advise on police activities as they affect the general public.”
