A Presidential Panel on Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) set up by the Federal Government in 2018 has recommended the dismissal of 37 operatives of the now defunct police unit notorious for human rights abuses.
The panel also recommended the prosecution of 24 other ex-SARS operatives for professional misconduct and other disciplinary cases.
The report was presented on Friday to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and former Inspector General of Police MusiliuSmith by the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)Tony Ojukwu.
This is contained in a statement titled ‘PSC to partner Human Rights Commission, promises immediate action on report of presidential panel on reform of SARS,’ issued by PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani.
“We have come to see a PSC determined to play a leading role in the reform of the Nigeria Police Force,” Ojukwu was quoted to have said in the statement.
Ojukwu, while calling for the swift implementation of the report, said the panel received 113 complaints of alleged human rights violations and 22 memoranda on suggestions on how to reform and restructure SARS and the Nigeria Police Force in general.
“Ojukwu said at the end of the public hearing, the panel recommended 37 police officers for dismissal and 24 were recommended for prosecution.
“The panel also directed the Inspector -General of Police to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of the human rights of innocent citizens,” the statement added.
Smith said the PSC would collaborate and support the NHRC in the promotion of good governance, said professional and credible people must be chosen to replace the operatives of the disbanded SARS.
He also said government must prioritise the welfare of police officers to enable them function effectively.
