In light of the public outrage over SARS operatives’ overzealous activities, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has said he has banned the officers from conducting stop and search operations on roads except when necessary.
Nigerians have been calling for the SARS reform over alleged harassment of innocent persons.
The IG, according to NAN, said he is set to restructure and re-position the unit for effective service delivery.
Idris also warned members of the group against acting as body-guards, delving into land matters and debt collection that were considered civil.
“You must operate in official uniform clearly marked for identification.
“I just want to warn you all here that any officer caught engaging in these activities will be dealt with accordingly.
“The Nigeria Police force under my leadership shall operate strictly guided by the human rights principles as enshrined in the United Nations charter on human rights,” he said.
The IGP noted that the unit which was established to curb activities of criminals in the country, will henceforth be solely mandated to confront only armed robbery cases and violent crimes.
Idris also said that men deployed to SARS would undergo training, continuous assessment and psychometric test to determine their suitability or otherwise.
It is, however, not the first time the IGP would order policemen off the roads and he would be disobeyed.
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