#EndSARS: Pyrates Confraternity asks IGP to take concrete steps on police reform

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) better known as Pyrates Confraternity has asked Adamu Mohammed, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to provide concrete plans on the proposed reform of the force.

Following renewed protests across the country over reports of brutality, harassment and extrajudicial killings by special anti-robbery squad (SARS) operatives, the IGP issued a directive on Sunday, disbanding the unit.

But the protests have continued with activists insisting that more concrete steps must be taken in reforming the police.

President Muhammadu Buhari said the dissolution of SARS is only a first step in improving the operations of the police.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abiola Owoaje, leader of the Pyrates Confraternity, said the police command should ensure the dissolution of SARS is not just by words.

“SARS dissolution by the IGP is an acknowledgement that the voice of the masses matter and should continue to matter in the light of the continued protests against the brutality and impunity that SARS became known for,” Owoaje said.

“It is our opinion that beyond this appreciated gesture, concrete actions will speak louder than announcements. Ensure justice and compensation for all the victims of the past few days of police brutality against unarmed protesters.

“Provide concrete plans on the deep and incisive police reforms to replace impunity with professionalism and truly make the Nigerian Police a world class outfit.

“SARS must not be shut down only in words. The dreadful impunity that has unfortunately defined this must not be given another cycle of abuse of citizens and human rights in the stamp of another terminology. #EndSARS must truly mean #EndSARS.

“We welcome the idea of a Citizens’ and Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum and hope that this will be an all inclusive forum. We look forward to making representations to the Investigation Team that is expected to honestly include civil society organizations and human rights bodies to work with the Police in investigating alleged cases of human rights violations.”