The Nigerian Police says it cannot scrap its tactical unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
This was made known by the force’s Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mbah during an Instagram live chat with musician, Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley on Tuesday.
According to the spokesman, the existence of SARS is necessary for rapid response to armed robberies, kidnappings and other violent crimes.
He however acknowledged the need for the tactical unit to be reformed in order to ensure that they are responsible, responsive and capable of working in accordance with laid down procedures.
Responding, Naira Marley agreed that SARS should not be scrapped but be reformed.
It is worthwhile to note that there have been renewed outrage on social media across the country over the extortion, extra-judicial killings and harassment of innocent Nigerians by SARS.
The ugly trend informed the decision of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to ban SARS operatives from engaging in routine patrols, mounting of roadblocks, stop-and-search, and traffic checks with immediate effect.