President Buhari, ex-presidents hold crucial meeting over #Endsars protest and other demands of youths.

President Muhammadu Buhari is meeting with former Nigerian presidents on Friday morning.

The meeting started at 10:00 a.m. with Buhari presiding from the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, a pool report said.

Former leaders who joined via a video conference include Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Goodluck Jonathan and Ernest Shonekan.

Reports said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, cabinet secretary Boss Mustapha, chief of staff Ibrahim Gambari and NSA Babagana Monguno are physically at the meeting with the president.

Gabriel Olanisakin, Mohammed Adamu, Yusuf Bichi and Ahmed Rufai are amongst security chiefs at the meeting.

The restricted meeting comes as the president moves to find a solution to the country’s security challenges arising from the #EndSARS campaign.

On Thursday night, the president addressed the nation after persistent demand from Nigerians.

Although Mr. Monguno told Nigerians critical decisions would be taken during the announcement, the president failed to mention the deployment of soldiers against protesters in Lagos that sparked additional crises of looting, vandalism and killing.

Airlines announce readiness to resume flight operations from Lagos after #Endsars protest.

Dana Air and Arik airlines have announced their readiness to resume flight operations from Lagos airport tomorrow, Saturday following the belief that the Lagos State government will lift the 24 hours curfew it imposed on the state.

The curfew was imposed by the State governor Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu on Tuesday to forestall further breakdown of law and order following series of EndSARS protests.

Confirming the likely resumption of domestic flights, the spokesman for Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa said: “Following our earlier announcement on cancellation, we are pleased to inform you that we will resume full flight operations from tomorrow, Saturday, the 24th of October 2020.”

Ezenwa also said that tickets purchased for flights within the period of the curfew remains valid and can be ” rescheduled for free by sending an email to contact@flydanaair.com”.

“Once again our heart goes out to our brothers and sisters who lost lives and properties during the protest, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Arik Air has also said it will be resuming limited flights to some destinations where there are no curfews on Friday, October 23, 2020.

According to Mr Banji Ola, spokesperson for the airline, Flights from Lagos to other parts of the country will however resume upon the lifting of the 24 hours curfew by the Lagos state government.

“Specifically, the airline will be operating flights from its second hub in Abuja to Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Benin, Kano and Yola.”

“On Friday, Arik Air will operate one flight each from Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja to Port Harcourt, Ilorin and Kano. Also, on Saturday, the airline will operate one flight each from Abuja to Port Harcourt, Benin and Yola,” Ola said.

The two airlines had on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, suspended their flights’ operations due to the 24 hours curfew announced by the Lagos State government.

President Buhari addresses Nigerians 2 days after the Lekki toll gate massacre.

President Buhari has finally addressed the people of Nigeria following the Lekki toll gate massacre on the 20th of October 2020.

Below is his speech.

Fellow Nigerians,

It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments;… but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.

As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.On approving the termination of SARS I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised;… the sanctity of the Palace of a peace-maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.

All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary.Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens, is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.

On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the well being and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society.  These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years;… the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

a. paying 3-months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small- and medium- enterprises
b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission
c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders

These are in addition to many other initiatives such as:

a. Farmermoni,
b. Tradermoni,
c. Marketmoni,
d. N-Power,
e. N-Tech and
f. N-Agro.

No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force.The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.

In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.

We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens, are protected.But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position … or rushing to judgement and making hasty pronouncements.

In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful,… and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions.Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect.Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

I would like to thank those State Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint.I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ikoyi prison incident has been contained, no inmate escaped- Ministry of Interior

The Federal Ministry of Interior says the incident that happened at the Ikoyi Correctional Center in Lagos has been brought under control.

On Thursday, October 22, a team of Army and Police officers were drafted to the prison premises after some hoodlums attempted to attack the facility to release some prisoners. A fire outbreak was also recorded within the prison premises.

In a tweet posted this afternoon, the Ministry said the situation has been brought under control

”The situation at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre is under control! Armed squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Civil Defence, Police and and men of the Nigerian Army are providing security at the facility. The Federal Fire Service is dealing with the fire. Ignore rumors of inmate escaping!”the tweet read.

BREAKING: End SARS: Ikoyi Prison attacked, on fire [VIDEO]

The Correctional Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos State is currently on fire.

Though it is not clear what may have caused the fire, angry youths in the state have been setting popular places ablaze since Wednesday morning.

There was also report of sporadic gunfire as the hoodlums are pushing to attack the prisons.

Crisis in Lagos State escalated on Tuesday night when men of the Nigerian military allegedly opened fire on peaceful End SARS protesters, killing some and leaving many others with various degrees of injuries.

Details later…

#Endsars protest: We switched off Lekki Billboard on Sanwoolu’s Order” – LoatsAD media

Loatsad Promomedia has issued a statement clearing up rumours that it played a role in the attack on #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Tollgate on Tuesday evening.

The media company owned by Seyi Tinubu, son of Popular Lagos politician/APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, disclosed that they shut down their billboard at the Lekki Toll gate based on an curfew order put in place by the state governor, Baba-jide Sanwoolu.

The statement read in full:

“When we started in 2014, we had a plan to change the perception of African start-ups in the global space. We believed as Africans, we could create something great and we set out with a N4m loan from a bank and we started trading, going from door to door begging for work and relentlessly grew the business employing and empowering over 200 Nigerians today directly or indirectly. We have supported many upcoming businesses, artists, people in need as giving back to our community has always been our passion (all this can be verified).”

“All of our achievements thus far have come the from hard work, sweat and determination of our work force and everything Loatsad has been doing has been open, all taxes are remitted and payments to agencies and regulatory bodies have been timely, so we can be proud to say we are contributing the growth of the industry and Nation.”

“When the “EndSars” and “say no to police brutality” protests started from day one we wholly supported the movement and used all our platforms to promote the messages (I believe the promoters can verify this information) as we believed in the cause.”

“On Tuesday when the curfew was announced we heeded the governors warnings and didn’t want our staff in any danger, hence by 3pm our staff had been ordered to leave the site and the board was switched off based on the governors curfew request.

“We had no idea what was going to happen and we feel the same anguish, pain and shock at the events that unfolded and our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and families of this ungodly act.We believe in this movement and that it was the start of the change our generation needed to move our country forward and we will continue to support the youths of this great nation.”

The Senate is currently in an emergency closed session over the ongoing #endsars protest nationwide.

The Senate is currently holding an emergency closed session apparently to appraise the current #EndSARS protests rocking various parts of the country.

No sooner had the senators resumed for the day’s plenary around 10:55am on Tuesday…the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, called for an emergency session.

Apart from the issue of #EndSARS protests which the senators are discussing, our correspondent learnt that the issue of the confirmation of Aisha Dahir-Umar, as the substantive Director General of the National Pension Commission.

The Committee on Establishment and Public Service led by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, had last  Thursday screened and cleared Dahir-Umar and other nominees for the board of PenCom.

Aggrieved senators who are spearheading the campaign against the confirmation of Dahir-Umar, are said to be poised for a showdown at today’s plenary, which obviously necessitated part of the reasons for the closed session.

EndSARS protest is one of the most successful protest in Nigeria – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Monday described the protest against police brutality as one of the most successful movement in Nigeria.

He noted that after the #EndSARS protest , Nigerians will experience a better country where fundamental human rights will be respected.

Mohammed stated this while speaking at a Special NAN Forum on Monday in Abuja.

He noted that the Federal Government would be able to act if the protesters end the protest and allow Government attend to their demands

The Minister regretted that the protest has been hijacked by hoodlums and people with a selfish motive to destabilise the country.

He said the government had started the process of unprecedented reform of the police and the entire internal security structure following the #EndSARS protest.

“With every challenge, there is always an opportunity and the opportunity this protest has given us is to look at a more holistic approach to reforming our internal security.”

“For the first time in the history of this country, a special police tactical unit is being formed which will be supervised not by a Police Command but a committee to be chaired by the governor of each state with representatives of youths and Civil Society Organisations.”

“The committee chaired by the governor will have the responsibility to supervise the way the special security unit relate to the public and carry out its responsibilities.”

“The panel being put up will take complaints from the public with regards to human rights abuses; this has never happened in the history of this country,’’ he said.

Mohammed added that this is the first time that a government is setting up a Victim Support Fund to compensate victims of Police brutality and extrajudicial killings in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In line with the new Police Act, officers to be enlisted in the new tactical Police unit will be tested psychologically and mentally to be sure that they are fit for the operations.”

“This will put a big check on Police abuse and extrajudicial killing which we have witnessed over the decades,’’ he said.

Pro-Buhari group seeks police protection for 10 million-man march.

A group, ‘I stand With Buhari’, has informed the police in Abuja of its plan to hold a 10 million-man march in support of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

The Convener of the group, Ogochukwu Ezeaku, said this.He was positive that they would get a favourable response from the police. He said the march would take place at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday. Ezeaku said, “We have informed the police and I am sure there will be no problem.”

When asked if there would be no clash with #EndSARS protesters, Ezeaku said,
“We know the End SARS people to be peaceful. Besides, our protest will take place in one spot which is the Unity Fountain.”
The convener said the march was conceived to show the President that the majority of Nigerians were still with him.
In a separate message on Facebook, the group stated that they would support the #EndSARS movement as long as it focuses on police excesses. It said the moment the protesters called for Buhari’s resignation, they would also launch a counter-offensive.

Many Buharists support #EndSARS but the moment you change the protest to any other silly hashtag you will know that we are 15 million strong!” it said.

Tacha admonishes End Sars protesters at Lekki to focus on the essence of the protest.

Ex Big Brother Naija housemate, Tacha has taken to her Instagram page to address End Sars protesters. She admonished protesters at Lekki toll gate to focus on the essence of the protest.

Tacha has shown so much support towards the protest since it started, she went as far as travelling to her state “Port harcourt” to support her people.

She mentioned that youths have to be involved in the panel being set up to negotiate with the federal government. Below is the video she shared to admonish Nigerian youths.

I have been receiving curses- Femi Adesina

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, says he has been receiving curses and messages from hell due to false reports that he was against the #EndSARS protests.

Adesina, who is the President’s most senior spokesman, said this in an article titled, ‘An Enemy of the People’ published on Thursday evening.

He said an online medium had falsely accused him of telling the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to ignore the protests and not give in to the demands of ‘Twitter warriors’.

The President’s spokesman said someone went ahead to post his telephone numbers on social media which led to him receiving calls and hate messages.

Adesina stated that he received a second round of attacks when an old interview he had granted Channels Television on the ‘Revolution Now’ protests was twisted to make it appear as if he was referring to the #EndSARS protests.
The President’s spokesman thanked Channels TV for clarifying the interview but said despite the move by the television station, the attacks did not stop.

He wrote, “Those who wanted to, believed the television station. A large number chose not to , bombarded my phone lines with curses, expletives and messages from the pit of hell. Well, if anybody chooses to belong to that nether region, it’s a matter of choice.

“Talking about the bombardment of my phone lines, it had begun on Sunday. A hateful mind had published my two numbers on Twitter, urging people to troll me. They called till the phone batteries went dead. Mum was the word from me.”

Adesina said he never advised the President to ignore the #EndSARS protests rocking the nation.

He stated that the online medium that published the report did not give him a chance to respond to the allegations thereby opening him to attacks.

Adesina claimed many people hated him because they were envious of his position as the President’s spokesman.

We will defend Nigeria at all cost – Army


Following the heightening protests against police brutality across the country, the Nigerian Army has warned it is prepared to protect the country’s democracy at all cost.

Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”

According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in  Nigeria.

“As a responsible and law abiding organisation,  the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.

 “The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such  acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.

“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.

“All officers  and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.

Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”

According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.

“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.

“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.

“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.

“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.

Governor Seyi Makinde pledges the sum of N100 million to repair Soun of Ogbomosho’s palace.

Following the SARS protest that occured in Ogbomosho which led to loss of lives and properties, Governor Seyi Makinde paid a visit to Ogbomosho yesterday. The Oyo state governor gave a report of his meetings yesterday through his social media platform.

He stated the following;

Today, we visited Ogbomoso to see the families of three of our children who died during the End SARS protests. We began the process of compensating the families for the losses they suffered and promised to do more in the coming days.

Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered directly and indirectly during these protests. As a government, we will not forget the last few days in a hurry nor the needless deaths of Isiaka Jimoh, Ganiyu Moshood Alabi, and Adeoye Taiwo.

We were also at the Palace of Kabiyesi, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomoso. We pledged the sum of N100 Million to begin immediate repairs of the palace and replacement of destroyed properties.

We told Kabiyesi not to hold what has happened against our children. Although regretted, all that took place was a result of the years of failure of governance which we are working to correct. We accepted Kabiyesi’s prayers for a better Nigeria and a better Oyo State.

We also spoke with our children in Ogbomoso. We assured them that their agitations were not unfounded. But that we needed to remain peaceful even in protest. We assured them that we were doing all in our power to attack the root cause of these protests.

We returned to the secretariat in Ibadan to speak with our other children who had been waiting all day. We reassured them that these protests are a wake-up call to all. We pledged to do better to meet the needs of young people, especially for employment and a safer environment.

I informed them that our Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, would work with the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State to ensure that all those who were arrested during the End SARS protests are released without being charged.

Falz protest, calls on FG to end SARS.

The award winning Nigerian rapper and singer, Falz , has joined many other Nigerian youths to protest today, in Lagos.

He mentioned yesterday that he would join the protest again today.

He announced yesterday via his Instagram page;

“Tomorrow Tues oct 13,we link up at the Lekki toll gate & we march peacefully to make our demands!”

Below is the video clip of Falz protesting with other youths at Lekki toll gate.

I am tired!

Nigerian youths are complaining and showing their grievances through a nationwide protest. The inadequacies of our government brought about the protest. However, I have given up not on the possibility of a better Nigeria but I have given up on the act of complaining.

We all know how much energy the late legendary afro singer and human right activist , Fela Kuti , put into his music. He sang about the effect of corruption and bad governance. He sang for change , rebellion against police brutality and every issue that has caused Nigeria to remain in this pathetic state. Despite all he sang about, nothing has changed over the years…it only got worse. Why wouldn’t I give up on complaining ? Fela’s mother was killed by soldiers, that was his reward for singing against bad governance.

In Nigeria today , we have no freedom to express our grievances without getting arrested by policemen. Take a look at what is happening nationwide at the moment…many youths took to the streets of various states in the country to protest peacefully, yet so many got killed and brutalized by people who are meant to protect us , “The Nigerian Police Force”.

The sovereign of our past hero are typically wasted today, do you know why? Majority of our politicians are still corrupt. In this case, how do the situation of things change? The few who raise their voices to speak are mercilessly dealt with. This is our reality !

Lagos state governor finally speaks concerning END SARS after many casualties.

Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has released statements concerning the END SARS protest.

He stated the following;

I was at the venue of one of the #EndSARS protests today. The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the CP, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides.

Tomorrow, I will be meeting with HE Pres. @MBuhari in Abuja.

As a servant of the people, my job is to listen and do everything within my power to act while managing the nature of the problems our people are protesting against. I am proud of our youth and the courage they are displaying in articulating their grievances.

I identify wholeheartedly with the #EndSARS campaign as it touches the essence of democratic freedom.

Citizens must never be denied the right to protest and your voices have been heard.

A clear pronouncement has been made and Mr. President has addressed the nation. All SARS officers involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in the abuse of human rights will be brought to justice.

My stand on #EndSARS is unmistakable and I assure you that I identify with this protest because your concerns are legitimate. The protest is in good faith but we have to be peaceful and decorous in expressing ourselves.

I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring. We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.

Please do not allow your protest be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta.

We must prevent the escalation of issues and I am meeting with the Lagos CP and other security leaders in a few minutes to ensure that live rounds that could lead to further casualties are not used at all as the police looks to maintain peace during the protests.

I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount.

I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.

The “END SARS” movement has brought nothing but joy to me.- Ooni of Ife.

His imperial majesty , Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has made his grievances about the police brutality in Nigeria known via his Twitter account.

He stated the following;

” The #ENDSARS movement has brought nothing but joy to me. Finally, the youths are awake, with one voice and a common goal.”

“I understand your plight, my 25 year old daughter had a nasty experience with SARS, almost losing her life.”

“On her way to the airport, she was stopped and terribly ransacked and surrounded by fully armed plain clothes policemen in a bus, detained for close to 30mins of thorough questioning.”

“Imagine a young female for that matter, all her belongings completely searched all because she was with a laptop on an official assignment from her office in lagos. I can only imagine the countless ones that have lost their lives from such ordeals, may their souls rest in peace.”

“I assure you that this is the beginning of greater things to come in Nigeria. I implore you to demand for more, but plead with you to do so in a peaceful manner, as anything outside of that will cause unnecessary havoc for all.”

“I have been informed of many innocent souls that were arrested and currently been detained, be rest assured that I am pursuing the matter and they will be set free.”

“To the men and women of the Nigerian police force, be assured that this movement is also for you, we know you are humans also and your reality is as a result of your environment.”

“This movements demands better on your behalf, and is aimed at pushing the government to do better for you and elevate your standard of living. Do not persecute your advocates.
God bless Nigerian youths and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. #ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY”

EndSARS protests: Nigeria abolishes loathed federal special police unit

image captionSunday saw more protests, such as this one in Lagos

Nigeria has dissolved the special police force at the centre of protests against police brutality.

The government said a special presidential directive had ordered the immediate dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars).

Protests against the squad were sparked by a video of a man allegedly being killed by police.

The demonstrations have intensified despite a crackdown and have spread outside the country.

All the officers in the Sars squad – widely accused of unlawful arrests, torture and murder – are to be redeployed, the presidency said, and a new arrangement to replace the squad is being worked on.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s chief of police said an a team of investigators – including civil society organisations and human rights bodies – would be set up to investigate alleged abuses by Sars.

President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier said he was determined to end police brutality, introduce reforms and bring “erring personnel… to justice”.

Protesters had demanded the unit be disbanded rather than reformed because previous commitments to change police behaviour had had no effect.

PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE: The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force @PoliceNG has been dissolved WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.

The Inspector General of Police will communicate further developments in this regard.— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) October 11, 2020

IGP disbands SARS nationwide.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has announced the decision to dissolve the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the operatives will be redeployed to other police formations and commands.

Adamu announced this in a live broadcast on Sunday.

The announcement came after days of online and offline protests against the brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS operatives nationwide.

At the briefing, the IGP said,

“The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force otherwise known as SARS is hereby dissolved in all the 36 states police command and the Federal Capital Territory.”

Exit mobile version