By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Protesters against police brutality have rejected the creation of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), saying recycling officers will only continue harassment and killings.
At least 10 people have died in the protests that began across Nigeria on October 8, according to Amnesty International, which wants review of policing.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan has also weighed in, demanding that the personnel of SARS and other security agencies who murder citizens should be prosecuted and reparation paid to victims.
“Scrapping of agencies might not be the right thing to do. The rule of law should be the guiding principle. If anyone does the wrong thing, they must be prepared to face the consequences,” he said.
“Those involved must be arrested and prosecuted, and Nigerians need to know what happens. It is not enough to suspend the activities of SARS.”
Amnesty demands review of police tactics
Amnesty International told CNN on Tuesday that “so far, Nigerian Police have killed at least 10 people since the start of protests against callous operations of SARS.
“The excessive use of force by the police in response to the protests reveals the longstanding disregard for the right to life by Nigerian security forces.”
The agency said excessive use of force “without justifiable grounds is a crime under international law.”
“Amnesty International therefore calls for an urgent review of the use of force and firearms by police officers against protesters and thorough independent and impartial investigation into all cases of violence including deaths that occurred during the #EndSARS protests,” Seun Bakare, head of programmes at Amnesty International Nigeria, told CNN.
Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has disclosed that former police officers from SARS will be part of SWAT but will undergo psychological and medical examinations to make sure they are fit.
“The officers are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties,” he said.
Protesters remain on the streets
Reuters reports that protesters returned to the streets on Wednesday, saying they were unconvinced by the creation of SWAT and a pledge not to use violence against demonstrators.
Protesters have staged daily marches nationwide for a week, calling for an overhaul of police forces and the bad governance that has plagued Nigeria since independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
Police have responded to the demonstrations with beatings, tear gas and gunfire, but the protests have also prompted a raft of announcements.
Sunday. SARS was officially disbanded.
Tuesday. Police agreed to stop using force against protesters. They also announced the formation of SWAT to “fill the gaps” left by SARS.
Wednesday. Protesters said they feared SWAT will simply be a rebranded version of SARS.
Reuters reports that hundreds gathered on Wednesday in the capital Abuja, as well as megacity Lagos and Warri – both in the South – to press their calls for police reforms.
“What they do is… give them new uniforms, call them a different name, but they are still the same people in these police forces,” said blogger Folu Oyefeso, in Lagos.
Demonstrators gather in Lagos despite heavy rain. They sang, danced, and chanted. Many held placards, including one that read “Stop killing our dreamers. #EndSARS now”.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged protesters to wind down demonstrations, saying they cause gridlock that disrupts businesses still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.
“People are just coming back to businesses. It would be unfair for those businesses not to be able to get back on their feet again,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.