Nigerians lament harassment by disbanded SARS, Police deny reports
Following complaints by some Nigerians that
the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad has resumed operation in some parts of the country and harassing innocent citizens, the police authority has denied such reports.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, debunked the reports while speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, said last week that some police officers in the state were still operating under the guise of SARS and harassing innocent citizens.
But, Nwonyi said he has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Monitoring Unit and the Commissioner of Police X-Squad to investigate and monitor the activities of policemen in the state.
He further urged members of the public to discountenance such social media reports.
The state police boss implored the public to report the activities of erring officers, assuring that prompt action would be taken.
Nwonyi stated, “I want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of the public that the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to social media reports of the operation of a Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the state.
“It does not exist. It only exists in the minds and imaginations of those who think they can achieve any purpose by virtue of blackmail.
“Since the Inspector General of Police announced the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force, the team was disbanded.
“In line with the directives, the units were redeployed to other police formations. There is currently no team by the name, Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Rivers State. And there will never be.”
Nwonyi further advised those behind the social media post to desist from what he termed ‘blackmail’ in their own interest.
He, however, said policing was not a sole proprietorship and solicited the continued support of residents and people of the state to achieve greater feats.
