The Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu M.A Adamu has banned the personnel of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad and other Tactical Squads of the Force including the Special Tactical Squad, Intelligence Response Team , Anti-Cultism Squad and other Tactical Squads operating at the Federal, Zonal and Command levels, from carrying out routine patrols and other conventional low-risk duties including stop and search duties, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks and traffic checks.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, these special squads must always appear in their police uniforms or approved tactical gear.
The IGP’s directives is following findings by the leadership of the Force that a few personnel of the Tactical Squads unwittingly perpetrate all forms of illegality, contrary to the Standard Operating Procedure, Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement establishing the squads.
Specifically, the IGP warned the Tactical Squads against the invasion of the privacy of citizens particularly through indiscriminate and unauthorized search of mobile phones, laptops and other smart devices.
According to the statement, the special squads are to concentrate and respond only to cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes when the need arises.
Adamu warned that henceforth, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands and the FCT as well as their supervisory Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police, will be held liable for any misconduct within their Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The IGP therefore charged them to ensure effective supervision and mentoring of the personnel of the Tactical Squads under their jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, two operatives of the FSARS and their civilian accomplice operating in Lagos State, INSPR Sale James, INSPR Monday Uchiola and Okechukwu Ogbonna, have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command, for acts of professional misconduct including extortion and intimidation of innocent citizens.
This was just as the operational vehicle of the men has also been impounded and disciplinary procedure has already commenced against the defaulters.
IGP Adamu restated his commitment to bequeathing to Nigerians, a reformed Police Force that is accountable, responsible and ever ready to defend and uphold the rights of the citizens while discharging its duties of keeping the people safe and secure.
He enjoins the citizens not to allow the misconduct by a few personnel of the Force to negatively impact on their belief, confidence and trust in the Police.
