The Borno state Network for Civil Society Organisation (NCSO); has
kicked against the ‘disbandment’ of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad
(SARS).
The positive roles of SARS in the state and Northeast, has reduced
Boko Haram insurgency in protecting people’s lives and property in the
last decade.
While protesting the disbandment in a peaceful march Tuesday in
Maiduguri, NCSO’s Chairman, Amb. Ahmed Shehu disclosed that; “SARS,
are fully engaged in life-saving operations and had been participating
to support the military in the ongoing counter-insurgency and
terrorism operations.
He noted that the peculiarities of Borno state and role played by SARS
personnel needed to be considered, instead of disbanding it by federal
government.
“We’re demanding for an urgent establishment of a special unit; that
will protect Borno citizens along with their property.
He also urgently called on Federal Government to fast track the
process of establishing a new outfit that could replace the disbanded
SARS.
According to him, alternatively, another agency be established in the
Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
He said the new agency, will be responsible for fighting insurgency
and armed banditry in the state.
He continued; “They are the closest security agent at the grassroots
of 27 councils in the state.
“We’re requesting the President to deploy all the SARS formation
across the country to Borno,” noting that the exercise could assist in
fighting insurgency.
He therefore, urged the Army to re-strategize counter-insurgency and
terrorism operations to secure people’s lives and property.
According to him, the operations be supported with local intelligence
gathering among traditional institutions, community leaders, vigilante
groups and hunters.
