……..Police dismiss claim as untrue
There is disquiet in the political circles over the existence of a Special Police Squad allegedly existing in all the states of the federation, Newsdiaryonline has learnt.
Sources within the political circles who spoke with Newsdiaryonline claimed at weekend that there is a special squad which is being maintained by the IGP, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris.Those raising the allegation said members of this Special Police Squad/Team across all states report only to the IGP.
According to one such source: “The IG has maintained a special squad that reports directly to him. They operate at state level outside of the authority of the state commissioners of police. It appears this is a morphed SARS”
Going further the source alleged that “Given the alleged 6 months renewal given the IG by the presidency, he may be too eager to repay the kindness.”
Those who are raising concerns over the alleged special squad told Newsdiaryonline that they are worried about the likelihood of such a squad or Special Police Team affecting the neutrality of the police in the 2019 General elections.
A senior police source independently contacted by Newsdiaryonline said such fears may be unfounded. “I don’t think that is true.I don’t think so,” he said repeatedly while speaking under condition of anonymity.
Contacted for his response, Force Police Public Relations Officer, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood dismissed as untrue the allegation of the existence of a Special Police Team across states, directly under the control of the IGP.
Speaking by telephone to Newsdiaryonline on Sunday, Moshood said categorically that all police deployments to states are under Commissioners of Police.
The Force PRO urged Politicians who have nothing to hide not to be afraid. He said the IGP has no such special team that reports specifically to him.
Newsdiaryonline recalls that the IGP recently overhauled the Special Anti-Robbery Squad following an order by then Actin President Yemi Osinbajo. The IGP thus renamed SARS into Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS
As part of the overhaul Moshood who broke the news in a statement added inter alia that “the Force will be transparent, cooperate, and work cordially with the National Human Right Commission on the special panel that will conduct an investigation of the alleged unlawful activities of FSARS to address grievances from the public against the personnel of FSARS in compliance with the presidential directives.”
“Furthermore, a new training program to be organized by the Force in collaboration with some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local and International NGOs, and other Human Rights Organizations on core Police Duties, Observant of Human Rights and Handling, Care and Custody of Suspects have been directed by the Inspector General of Police for all Federal SARS personnel nationwide with immediate effect.
“A committee of Senior Police officers, Technical Consultants, Human Rights/Civil Society organizations (CSOs) has been setup to review the activities of FSARS under the new arrangement.
“They are to pay unscheduled visits to FSARS formations across the country with particular attention to States with high complaints index, to assess facilities and situations in these States and submit report to the Inspector General of Police on regular basis.”
