NIGERIA: IGP Warns Officers Against Violations, Reaffirms SARS Ban

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to police officers against misconduct and human rights violations.

The IGP emphasized this during a virtual meeting with top Police officials on Monday, where he stated that the Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any form of abuse, assuring that officers who engage in such acts will face severe consequences.

Egbetokun reiterated the need for professionalism and ethical conduct among officers, while addressing concerns about the misuse of power by tactical squads, improper dressing, and the carrying of assault rifles by operatives dressed in civilian attire.

He added: “No operative should be seen carrying assault arms while in mufti.

SARS Remains Dissolved

Amid speculations about the possible return of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the IGP reaffirmed that the unit, which was dissolved on October 11, 2020, remains permanently scrapped.

A statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, debunked rumors suggesting that SARS was being reintroduced with new operational guidelines.

The statement partly reads: “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to debunk circulating rumours and misinformation speculating about the return of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with a reformed set of rules.

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad which was disbanded on the 11th of October 2020, remains dissolved.

“The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is not back in operation. The recent information regarding SARS reformation and rules of engagement should be treated with caution. Nigerians are encouraged to verify the source of any information before accepting it as true.”

The police also urged individuals to follow official channels for updates to combat misinformation including @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.

The IGP concluded by calling for collective efforts to uphold the integrity of the force and prevent actions that could tarnish its reputation.