FSARS not directed to stop and search, says police commissioner

Haliru Gwandu, Edo police commissioner, says operatives of the federal special anti-robbery squad (FSARS) are not directed to stop and search.

He made this known during the #AskThePolice #ReformSARS interactive session on Tuesday.

The Twitter session was designed to give citizens an opportunity to air their grievances about FSARS.

Gwandu said it was the duty of the police to protect lives and properties, adding that the intervention of FSARS is mainly on distress calls.

“The mandate of the FSARS is enormous, to tackle violent crimes, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling, etc.,” he tweeted.

“The FSARS are not directed by anybody to stop and search except if there is a distress call for them to nip in the bud such crime.

“It is not within the standard operative procedure of the FSARS to dwell into indiscriminate arrest of innocent Nigerians.”

While explaining how to identify FSARS personnel, he said, “Our men must obey the code of conducts and also have all the identities required before embarking on an operation.

“The IGP has provided the kits for all personnel nationwide. No officer should be on duty without wearing proper uniform.”

The mandate of FSARS is enormous, to tackle violent crimes, armed robbery, kidnapping, cattle rustling etc The FSARS are not directed by anybody to stop and search except if there is a distress call, for them to nip in the bud such crime. #AskThePoice #ReformSars https://t.co/RE4pd82HY8

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) June 12, 2018

Advertisement

In investigating cyber crimes, you find out that perpetrators can be violent, then members of the FSARS are invited when there is element of violence It is not within the (SOP) of the FSARS to dwell into indiscriminate arrest of innocent Nigerians. #AskThePolice #ReformSars https://t.co/MSlkSTBzPB

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) June 12, 2018

The FSARS can only be found on the road, when there is a black spot which our attention is called for. They are not ordinarily seen on the road, without the above mentioned situations. #AskThePolice #ReformSars https://t.co/7TSpNDwlzr

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) June 12, 2018

Advertisement

Primarily it is the duty of a police officer to protect lives and properties. The intervention of FSARS is mainly on distress call. There is no jurisdiction on the presence of our personnel. Any trained police officer whose attention is sort should lead a rescue to the robbery.. https://t.co/cvCCs8GLRF

Advertisement

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) June 12, 2018

Gwandu assured that all complaints would be treated accordingly and reiterated the IGP’s commitment to reform FSARS and ensure best practices in the discharge of its duties.