There have been renewed calls to scrap the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) with hashtag #EndSARS despite its ban from routine patrols, stop-and-search, mounting of roadblocks and traffic check by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu on Sunday.
The public relations officer of the Nigeria Police, DCP Frank Mba explained in an Instagram live chat with singer, Naira Marley on Tuesday that the unit would be reformed not scrapped due to the ongoing fight against crimes in the country.
What we need to do is to reform SARS and make them responsive, responsible and make them work in accordance with laid down procedures. We need them to continue to respond to violent crimes.
We need them to continue to respond to armed robberies. We need them to continue to respond to kidnappings.
In the course of discussion, the singer agreed that a reform was needed while the force updates the public on the arrested SARS officers and compensation given to families of the victims.
The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, also kicked against scrapping of the Anti-Robbery Squad.
I think that this is the situation that should be properly investigated. Those involved in recent incidents should be arrested and prosecuted. The law should take its due course. This is not acceptable. Nigerians need to know what happened to those who have killed Nigerians.
There are good people and bad people in SARS. Scrapping of agencies when you have mistakes may not be the best position. Rule of law should be put in place.
If you scrap SARS, you lose the chance of getting those doing well to continue to do well.
You talk about #EndSARS, you cannot end SARS but let us ask for reform. Why do you want to end SARS? Are you an armed robber?” Marley told his followers