IGP Bans SARS from routine patrols and stop and search

All FSARS, STS, IRT & other Tactical Police Squads operating at Federal, Zonal & Command levels are hereby banned from carrying out routine patrols & other conventional low-risk duties – stop & search duties, checkpoints, roadblocks, traffic checks, etc – with immediate effect.

Henceforth, no Police personnel is authorized to embark on patrols or tactical assignments in mufti.

All Police Force personnel must always appear in their police uniforms or approved tactical gear.

All Tactical Squads must also desist from the invasion of the privacy of citizens particularly through indiscriminate and unauthorized search of mobile phones, laptops and other smart devices.

Henceforth,the Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Commissioners of Police in charge of State/FCT Commands as well as their supervisory Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police, will be held liable for any Police misconduct within their Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The Police authorities will step up monitoring of all activities of Tactical Squads (FSARS etc) and other police officers, nationwide, and ensure the prompt arrest, investigation and prosecution of all officers who violate these directives and other Force regulations.

Full release: