The former vice president and 2019 presidential candidate of Nigeria opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to public outcry on intimidation, harassment and outright extortion by officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The business mogul who served as the Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly condemned the cruel actions of SARS against Nigerian citizens.
“I strongly condemn their cruel actions against our people, and I urge the government to rise to the occasion and nip this monstrosity in the bud with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is a dreaded controversial unit of the Nigeria Police Force that is popularly known for extortion, torture, framing up suspects and even blackmail.
Atiku said, “It is expedient that the activities of SARS are reviewed to ensure that the rogue elements are excised from the unit and sanity returned to its operations.”
An operative of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), today Saturday, October 3 shot a young boy suspected to be ‘Yahoo Boy’ (Internet Fraudster) in Ughelli, Delta State.
Emphasis on what they did in Delta State, Atiku said “The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the police was set up to confront violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and other related crimes. However, the unit has today morphed into an oppressor of the Nigerian masses who strive every day for a better life.”
“Reports of intimidation, harassment and outright extortion by officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have continued unabated,” he added.