HURIWA cautions IGP against overzealous, creation of special squad synonymous with SARS

Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, cautioned the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, against establishment of the proposed Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to be deployed to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

National Coordinator of the rights advocacy group, Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, yesterday, described the SIS as another killer squad rebranded after the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the repackaged Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT).

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The group cautioned the new IGP, who said there is a tiger in him, not to be overzealous, but circumspect, build up strategies and implement them to coordinate the rebuilding process of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the country.

HURIWA urged Egbetokun not to establish another squad that would be synonymous with SARS.

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According to the group, the country is yet to recover from the atrocities committed by SARS and SWAT.

Data by Amnesty International noted that at least 115 citizens were brutally killed by SARS operatives in the South East within four months, while the group was in existence.

The statement reads: “The several cases of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, organ trafficking, mass arrest, torture, extortions and ill-treatment have not stopped despite the disbandment of SARS.

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“Egbetokun should be circumspect, especially with his establishment of SIS, which may turn into another killer squad by police like the one that caused 2020 nationwide protests. This is unacceptable.”