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Tag: Special Anti-Robbery Squad

  • REVEALED: UK govt trained SARS operatives for four years

    REVEALED: UK govt trained SARS operatives for four years

    A top government official in Britain has revealed that the United Kingdom government trained the operatives of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) for four years.

    This was contained in a letter dated October 29, 2020 released by UK minister for Africa, James Duddridge.

    The UK minister for Africa said the former operatives of SARS participated in a training “designed to improve human rights.”

    The letter was addressed to Kate Osamor, a member of the UK parliament, who shared a copy via her Twitter handle.

    Osamor had written the minister to confirm reported links the UK government had with SARS following a nationwide protest against the police unit over alleged abuse of human rights.

    The protests were the peak of years-long agitation against the anti-robbery squad accused of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and, in some cases, extrajudicial killings.

    In the letter, Duddridge said the training programme ended in March 2020, adding that the UK remains committed to the respect for human rights in Nigeria.
    The letter read: “Through our CSSF-funded Nigeria Policing Programme, which ended in March 2020, FSARS officers participated in training on amended Nigerian police guidance designed to improve human rights, training on public finance and community policing workshops.

    “This was in support of our wider objectives to strengthen the capacity, accountability and responsiveness of the Nigerian Police Force.

    “The Nigeria Policing Programme was part of our Society and Justice Reform Programme, which is working to help deliver a criminal justice system that better protects the human rights of all Nigerians.”

    The UK minister cited the community-policing framework and improved relations with communities as some of the positive outcomes of the program

    Osamor described the revelation by the minister as shocking and sought further clarification.

    “Either the Government deliberately funded SARS units when they were known to have committed extra-judicial killings or it had no idea where that funding was going,” she wrote via her Twitter handle.

    During the #EndSARS protests, Catriona Laing, British high commissioner to Nigeria, had called for accountability over alleged human rights violations reported against the anti-robbery squad.

  • #EndSARS protest was politically motivated, says Kogi state governor

    #EndSARS protest was politically motivated, says Kogi state governor

    The Executive Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello has stated that the #EndSARS protest was politically motivated.

    This statement was made by the Kogi state governor, Bello when he featured on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television

    Bello said the protest was sponsored by politicians who are benefitting from the disruptions caused by the demonstrations across the country.

    The governor said Nigerians do not need a soothsayer to tell them that the protests had a political undertone even after the government agreed to the demands of the agitators.

    “Let me tell you, what is happening today; so-called #EndSARS is politically motivated. Whether anybody says it or not; I am saying it again and quote me anywhere, any day,” he said.

    “Why would you demand for five items, 5for5 and granted, and refuse to take it? Which struggle, which agitation, which uprising across the world has ever succeeded without leadership?”

    “The set up is by politicians who have hands in #EndSARS, who continue to shift the goal post when the demands were met, by those who continue to profiteer from it.”

    He added that though he supported the agitations of the youth, they should have stuck to their initial demands and taken what the government gave them.

    “Hundred percent, I agreed but if you look at what it is happening today you will have no option as to classify it as politically motivated. Let me tell you, this is a ploy to set us against one another,” he said.

    “A lot is wrong with that. You see, let me tell you, you asked for #EndSARS, and remember not everybody believes in ending SARS. And if you say the SARS is wrong or have been doing one thing wrong or the other, the best way to have agitated was to ask for the reform of the total security overall, the security architecture.

    “When you begin to shift goalpost and your list is endless you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that this is political. It is unfortunate lives were lost which should not happen. We should have taken the 5for5 that was given and moved on. At that point, we should have taken the goods and the gains and get off the street to have avoided the looting”.

    He commended the inspector-general of police and the federal government “for a swift response to the demands of the youth”.

    He said Nigerians must learn to trust the government, saying “this is our government, this is our society”.

  • Bullets may drive #EndSARS protesters off the streets but can’t pierce their spirits, says Pastor Bakare

    Bullets may drive #EndSARS protesters off the streets but can’t pierce their spirits, says Pastor Bakare

    The serving overseer of Citadel Global Community Church formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly, Tunde Bakare has commended #EndSARS protesters for their ‘resilience’.

    Recall that young people including women had hit the streets to demand a reform of the police as a result of excesses such as police brutality, extortion among others by the special anti-robbery squad (SARS).

    Days after the protest became tensed and protesters refused to leave the streets, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu disbanded SARS and the federal government vowed to accede to the demands of the protesters, appealing to them to leave the streets.

    But the protests continued until armed men in army uniform opened fire on the protesters.

    Pastor Bakare in a state-of-the-nation address on Sunday said: “The Nigerian state has blood on its hands”.

    He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that those who ordered armed soldiers to fire on innocent citizens are fished out and made to face the full weight of the law.

    “In the past week, we witnessed with great sorrow the desecration of our nationhood as Nigeria’s armed forces stained the banner of our nationhood, the Nigerian flag, with the blood of our children, the Nigerian youth, to whom our founding fathers charged us to hand over a banner without stain,” he said.

    “All across the nation, there is a wave of people movement. It is a wave of citizen engagement championed by the so-called ‘ordinary Nigerian’ who has proven in extraordinary terms to be by no means ordinary. It began in Edo State with an awakened and resolute electorate defying the political establishment to make their voices heard and their votes count. In the past couple of weeks, that wave has been transformed into a tsunami of people movement led by our young people who have had enough of the horrendous brutality of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). I believe that this wave of people movement is the physical manifestation of the birth pangs heralding the New Nigeria.

    “As I observed the End SARS protests, I could not but conclude that we are witnessing the crescendo of an era and the beginning of another. Ten years ago, when we convened civil society organisations under the umbrella of Save Nigeria Group (SNG), our objective was not to be the voice of the people, but to restore the voices of the voiceless in a nation where social mobilisation had been frozen for too long at that time. Ten years later, the End SARS protest has assured me that a generation of Nigerians has arisen, armed with clear and unmistakable voices, refusing to dim their lights or turn down the volume of their requests, because we have entered the era of ‘Soro Soke.’ I salute the courage of this unbreakable generation; I salute the resilience of every Nigerian youth, named and unnamed, who has stood up to be counted in this momentous era.

    “No degree of brutal repression of protesters can quench the flame of protests in the hearts and minds of the Nigerian people. Your bullets may drive them off the streets, but your bullets cannot pierce their spirits or puncture their resilience.

    “One can understand why the younger generation would so heavily indict preceding generations. At independence, we inherited a promising nation, but we are bequeathing a predatory nation to the young generation. We inherited a nation whose structural foundations were built on principles of true federalism, a nation in which the diverse groups had the freedom to determine their destinies, but we are bequeathing a unitary nation, federal only in name, in which sub-national expressions are suppressed by an overbearing centre.

    “We inherited a banner without stain, but we have introduced a new colour to our green-white-green: blood red.”

    Bakare, who said the country needs leaders who listen to the people, condemned the violence that trailed the protests.

    “We need sensitive leaders who are not ashamed to shed tears with the wounded and who can tell the broken, ‘Your pain is my pain, and I will do everything in my power to lift your burden,” he said.

    Speaking on the violence perpetuated by hoodlums under the disguise of #EndSARS protesters, Pastor Tunde Bakare said: “Rather than destroy, we must build; rather than revel in attacks on tangible and intangible infrastructure, from buses and police stations to palaces and state-owned cyber assets, we must protect our common patrimony. Instead of accepting a status quo that appears to leave us no choice but to go through the backdoor, we must build enduring edifices of open governance using such bricks as the Freedom of Information Act. Our conduct should at all times be moral, ethical and legal, moderated by the reality that there are no shortcuts in nation-building.”

  • The address president Buhari could have given: A speculative piece by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    The address president Buhari could have given: A speculative piece by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    NOTE to television broadcasters: please include subtitles to enable all Nigerians hear and understand

    Fellow Nigerians,

    This is a difficult time for our nation but together we will prevail. On Tuesday, October 20th, 2020, in the Lekki area of Lagos, innocent Nigerians exercising their democratic right to protest were attacked by soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Some died. Many were injured. This terrible incidence has no place in our country. The role of the Nigerian Army is to protect the lives of Nigerian citizens.

    On Tuesday, October 20th, 2020, in the Lekki area of Lagos, innocent Nigerians exercising their democratic right to protest were attacked by soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Some died. Many were injured. This terrible incidence has no place in our country. The role of the Nigerian Army is to protect the lives of Nigerian citizens.

    I condole with the families of those who were killed and with all those who were injured. I have ordered an immediate investigation and have directed that a report be presented to me in the next five days.

    As commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, the ultimate responsibility is mine. This is not a time for vague words or generic promises. This is a time for action and I am determined to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.

    Restitution is an essential element of justice. I have directed that all hospital bills of the injured be paid by the federal government. The families of those who were killed, as well as the injured, will receive compensation from the federal government. This compensation is merely a small way of acknowledging the pain and suffering of innocent citizens. It is not intended in any way to dismiss or minimize what happened. We are already reaching out to identify those who deserve compensation. Our Twitter handle@NGRPresident will release further information shortly.

    These are not normal times, and therefore we cannot rely on the old ways of doing things. On October 12th I acknowledged the valid concerns of the Nigerians protesting against the excesses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). But more could have been done. I have now directed, with immediate effect, the arrest of those SARS officers, past and present, who have credibly been accused of extrajudicial crimes. I am presently reviewing recommendations by the Security Chiefs on how best to retrain some officers formerly with SARS. I emphasise SOME, as there are those who are not worthy to serve in any security capacity and will face justice. I assure you that their trials will be fair and open to the public.

    Let me be clear that the protests we have witnessed all over this country in the past two weeks were not anti-police, but anti-police-brutality. A democracy must have law and order, but we cannot in the name of law and order abuse innocent citizens.

    I am committed to the implementation of extensive Police reforms. The salaries, benefits and living conditions of the Nigerian Police Force and other paramilitary services will be improved with immediate effect. I have directed the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission to expedite the process and ensure that the implementation begins by October 30th 2020.

    Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the legitimate line of duty. I condole with their families. The federal government will give all assistance to the bereaved in a speedy and dignified manner.

    Reports of vandalism and looting in such places as Lagos, Enugu and Rivers are partly the result of thugs who have infiltrated the legitimate protests in order to further their own nefarious goals and partly the actions of legitimately aggrieved citizens who have unfortunately decided to unlawfully express their anger There will be zero tolerance for any damage done to the lives and property of citizens.

    Let me also acknowledge that mistakes were made in the security provided during the protests. Thugs should never have been allowed to infiltrate the protests. There were failures of policing during the protests. Some innocent people were arrested while thugs were allowed free reign. I have ordered the immediate release of any Nigerian citizen arrested for lawfully participating in the protest, while reinforcing our zero tolerance policy for those engaging in vandalism.

    For two weeks, the protests occurred lawfully, without violence and damage to property. To those Nigerians who suspect that the sudden change in the tone and manner of protests is a result of unscrupulous thugs being paid to disrupt the protests and create chaos, I assure you that your suspicions will be fully investigated.

    The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of Nigerian citizens. It is a right that all Nigerians remain free to exercise.

    I enjoin all Nigerian citizens to keep in mind that ours is a diverse but united nation. Any appeals to ethnic sentiment must be resisted. Any attacks on people based on ethnicity must be rejected. Whether from the north or from the south, from the west or the east, we are Nigerians. As Nigerians we must unite against forces that threaten our democracy.

    Some states have set up curfews to maintain law and order, but a curfew without security is a threat to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. I will work with state governors to ensure that there is adequate security in all the states of the federation.

    I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional, religious and youth leaders who have not only appealed for calm but have taken actions to identify with the legitimate grievances of their people.

    Next week, I will address you again and update you on the ongoing plans to restore our country. I believe that with political will, justice is always achievable. I refer to the truism that there can be no peace without justice. Today I pledge to you my commitment to justice and to peace.

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

  • No politician should feel safe if #EndSARS crisis gets worse, says Kogi Rep

    No politician should feel safe if #EndSARS crisis gets worse, says Kogi Rep

    A member of house of representatives from Kogi state, Tajudeen Yusuf has stated that citizens protesting against police brutality and elites will record huge losses if both parties do not dialogue.

    This was contained in a statement released by the House of Representatives member, Yusuf on Friday.

    Yusuf said the elite would not feel safe in the country and the youth may get drafted into violent conflicts.

    The special anti-robbery squad (SARS) was scrapped following demonstrations across the country.

    Despite the dissolution, protesters continued to gather and hoodlums hijacked the protests to unleash mayhem on citizens.

    Yusuf said the use of soldiers to disperse protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos is shocking “and outrightly unfortunate”.

    “If this crisis festers and becomes something else, no political elite should feel safe because not all would be able to escape the chaotic situation, even with private jets; if things worsen too dangerously, youth may get drafted into violent conflicts they never planned for and the old and the young as well as children, women and all stakeholders in Nigeria may face the worst time of our lives,” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker said.

    “Even the two World W1ars ended at the negotiating table; the best that we can all do now is to pull back from the brink, have frank dialogue and demand the institution of lasting corrective measures that may become part of our constitutional reforms.

    “SARS started as a solution to the problem of armed robbery but unfortunately, it became a problem to citizens who sometimes allege that ex-robbers and criminal extortionists may have become part of the defunct SARS; members of SARS were mostly southerners but they caused inexplicable traumas in the south.

    “Accumulated anger is being reflected in the rage we’ve seen, three years ago, loud protestations against SARS’ excesses were handled the same way we handle every other issue haphazardly with few long-term considerations.

    “Our youth do not trust government because the spate of panels and half-measures as reflected in ineffective official reactions to ASUU strikes that started around 1991 show that we prioritize the wrong things and for higher education, things got so bad that our children got more used to the idea of going to Ghana, Cotonou and other places for higher education.”

    The legislator urged the government to compensate the families of those who lost their lives and property in the demonstrations that degenerated into chaos.

  • #EndSARS: 42,000 sign petition asking UK to sanction FG

    #EndSARS: 42,000 sign petition asking UK to sanction FG

    A petition requesting the United Kingdom to sanction the federal government and public officials for human rights abuse over the #EndSARS movement has recieved at least 42,000 signatures of individuals.

    According to the petition on the UK government and parliament website, Nigeria government and the police are accused of violating the rights of agitators protesting against police brutality.

    It urged the UK to implement sanctions that allow “individuals and entities that violate human rights around the world to be targeted”.

    “Deploying sanctions would provide accountability for and be a deterrent to anyone involved in violations of human rights,” it read.

    The page noted that the petition, created on Tuesday and which can only be signed by British citizens and residents, will be considered in the UK parliament when it reaches its target of 100,000 signatures.

    Recall that the #EndSARS nationwide movement started as an opposition against the now-dissolved special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The agitators are demanding better welfare and improved governance in addition to justice for victims of police brutality.

    Although it had progressed peacefully in most parts of the country, some states are beginning to record violence after suspected thugs allegedly hijacked the movement.

    On Tuesday, police stations were burnt in Lagos and Oyo states, barely 24 hours after some were set ablaze in Edo state.

    Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Ekiti and Osun have all declared a 24-hour curfew in the aftermath of the violence, while security operatives were reported to have shot at protesters who had converged on the Lekki toll gate in Lagos.

  • Over 30 suspects flee defunct SARS’ custody after a midnight jailbreak in Lagos

    Over 30 suspects flee defunct SARS’ custody after a midnight jailbreak in Lagos

    More than 30 suspects in the custody of disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ikeja have reportedly fled in a jailbreak.

    WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the suspects who are armed robbery, kidnapping and murder suspects including a man caught with three rifles, allegedly fled after tricking the Station Officer (SO) that there was an emergency inside the cell.

    It was further learnt that the suspects allegedly descended on the SO as the cell was unlocked, beating him to a pulp before fleeing with his phone and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

    Reacting to the incident, the police denied reports that over 80 suspects fled while being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

    According to police sources, no fewer than 30 suspects were still missing.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of SCID, Yetunde Longe, has temporarily relocated to the former SARS head office inside the command headquarters.

    Police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said no suspects escaped.

    He said the claim was an unfounded, baseless and mischievous rumour.

    He said: “It is an attempt to cause fear and panic in the minds of Lagosians, and distracting the command.

    “In line with the directive of the IGP, the State CID, Yaba, has taken over the disbanded SARS and other tactical units’ buildings in Ikeja and other satellite offices across the state, including the suspects.

    “The suspects in all the cases handled by the disbanded SARS are intact.”

    Also on Thursday, the police said an #ENDSARS protester, Mrs Nike Lawal, allegedly ran into the protesters in Alagbado, killing two persons.

    It said Lawal, a resident of 30, Anjorin Street, Aminkanle, allegedly drove recklessly, leading to the death of Ojo Azeez, 27, and Yusuf Sodia, 26, who were protesting at Ikola Road, Alagbado, on Wednesday.

  • Nigeria’s senate president, Lawan speaks on #EndSARS protest

    Nigeria’s senate president, Lawan speaks on #EndSARS protest

    Nigeria’s senate president, Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday has stated that Nigerians were right to protest against excesses of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force.

    This statement was made by the senate president, Lawan on Tuesday when the senate observed a minute silence in honour of late Jimoh Isiaka and other youths allegedly killed by police operatives during the #EndSARS protest in Ogbomoso.

    This came following a motion moved by the lawmaker representing Oyo North, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai during plenary.

    The motion was titled: “ENDSARS Protest: The death of Jimoh Isiaka and the attack on the palace of Soun of Ogbomosoland: Need to put our security operatives on their toes.”

    The Senate President described the conduct of SARS as unacceptable.

    He said that the protest has yielded results.

    Lawan said: “The conduct of SARS is not acceptable and it will remain in that past of our history.

    “SARS was funded by public funds and the entire essence of the Police Force is to ensure that there is law and order and security for our people and when SARS turned against the people, it was right for the people to protest peacefully.

    “The protest, some physically involved, others through their peers. I think the protest has yielded the desired result so far.

    “There may not be need to continue the protest again when SARS has been disbanded and those culprits who are involved in the killing and maiming of Nigerians will be brought to book.

    “I think we should give the government the chance to implement those as quickly as possible.

    “Nigerians have the right to peaceful protest. The government is a listening administration and the appropriate measures, some have been taken, others will be taken pretty soon.

    “SARS has been disbanded before and of course, those involved in the atrocities will be prosecuted. It is not enough to dismiss them from service.

    “We really commend Nigerian youths in demonstrating peacefully.”

  • VIDEO: Tension in Lagos computer village as traders prevent fresh arrest by SARS officers

    VIDEO: Tension in Lagos computer village as traders prevent fresh arrest by SARS officers

    There was tension in Lagos state today October 5 when the traders in the Computer village reportedly stopped officers of Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) officers from arresting someone.

    This is coming days after WITHIN NIGERIA reported that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has banned operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), the Special Tactical Squad (STS) and Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from undertaking routine patrols as well as stop and search duties.

    WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the SARS officers invaded the village and attempted to arrest someone.

    While tackling the SARS officer, the traders reminded the officers that the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed on Sunday, October 4, banned them from carrying out any arrest.

    One of the officers fired gunshot in the air to disperse the traders who remained adamant and prevented the arrest.

    WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

  • Hoodlums kidnap, rape Anambra woman despite N400,000 ransom

    Hoodlums kidnap, rape Anambra woman despite N400,000 ransom

    A 24-year-old woman who was kidnapped by a three-member gang has been reportedly raped in Anambra stste after her family paid a ransom of N400,000.

    WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that the victim, who was unemployed, was said to have been lured by the gang under the pretext of offering her a job.

    It was also learnt that the victim was allegedly raped repeatedly by the suspects while in their captivity depsite collecting N400,000 ransom from her relations.

    Speaking to the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed confirmed the incident.

    He said the gang members were arrested on Saturday at Awkuzu in the Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

    Mohammed said, “The suspects allegedly raped the victim repeatedly while in captivity despite collecting a N400,000 ransom from her relatives.

    “On Saturday at about 2pm, police operatives attached to the command’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad arrested the suspects in Awkuzu.”

    He gave the suspects’ names as Ekwugha Chinazo (25) of Mgbguzo Awkuzu; Chidiebere Ogoegbunam (24) of Egbu Awkuzu; and David Nnaemeka (19) of the same address.

    Mohammed added, “The suspects lured the 24-year-old lady under the pretext of securing for her a makeup job; picked her up at Ukpo Junction along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and took her to an isolated building at Awkuzu, where they allegedly raped her repeatedly while in captivity for two days.”