Tactical Squads of the police from routine patrols across the country.The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Frank Mba disclosed this
in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Adamu said the squads affected by the ban are the Special Tactical Squad
(STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism Squad, and other
Tactical Squads operating at the Federal, Zonal, and Command levels.
He said the affected squads were by the directive, banned from carrying
out routine patrols and other conventional low-risk duties, stop and
search, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks and traffic checks, with
immediate effect.
“In addition, no personnel of the Force is authorised to embark on
patrols or tactical assignments in mufti.
“They must always appear in their police uniforms or approved tactical
gear,” he said.
Adamu said the directives came against the backdrop of findings by the
leadership of the Force that a few personnel of the Tactical Squads hide
under these guises to perpetrate all forms of illegality.
According to him, the I-G has warned the Tactical Squads against the
invasion of the privacy of citizens particularly through the
indiscriminate and unauthorised search of mobile phones, laptops, and
other smart devices.
He said the personnel was to concentrate and respond only to cases of
armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes when the need
arises.
The I-G said the FSARS and other Police Tactical Squads remain a
critical component of the Force in confronting prevailing and emerging
violent crimes in the country.
He, however, condemned every act of unprofessionalism, abuse of human
rights, and high handedness by some personnel of the Squads.
The I-G, therefore, ordered the X-Squad and the Monitoring Unit to
embark on immediate and massive nationwide monitoring of activities of
Tactical Squads and other police officers on the road.
He urged the monitoring unit to ensure prompt arrest, investigation, and
prosecution of all erring police officers who would violate these
directives and other extant regulations of the Force.
Adamu said the Commissioners of Police in charge of FSARS, State
Commands and their supervisory Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of
Police, would be held liable for any misconduct within their Area of
Responsibility (AOR).
The I-G, therefore, urged them to ensure effective supervision and
mentoring of the personnel of the Tactical Squads under their
jurisdiction.
Adamu said two operatives of the FSARS and their civilian accomplice
operating in Lagos State were arrested by the Lagos State Police
Command, for acts of professional misconduct including extortion and
intimidation of innocent citizens.
He said the operational vehicle of the men had also been impounded
adding that, the disciplinary procedure had already commenced against
the defaulters.
The I-G pledged to bequeath to Nigerians, a reformed Police Force that
would be accountable, responsible, and ever ready to defend and uphold
the rights of citizens in the course of their duties.
He enjoined citizens not to allow the misconduct by a few personnel of
the Force to negatively impact their belief, confidence, and trust in
the police. (NAN)