To understand the atrocity the special anti robbery squad has become, one needs to delve into its history and origin.
1992
Approximately twenty eight years ago, the nightmare which we all now refer to as 'SARS' was formed. All through the years, there have been major controversies surrounding the group.
One might wonder why a group that was formed for investigating robbery has become the demon that incites deep fear. It's origin gives an inkling of the answer. Although a tad bit stretchy, one might even say that the SARS was formed in a rush, with little or no thoughts of long term effect.
SARS was formed by the then police commissioner, Simon Danladi Midena.
WHY?
A Nigerian army colonel by the name Col. Rindam, was killed by a police officer at a checkpoint in Lagos. When the army found out, all hell broke loose and they were sent to go into the streets of Lagos in search of every and any police officer. The Nigerian police in fear, withdrew from their places of work. Some resigned, others ran away for their dear lives. Two weeks later, a drastic increase in crime rate was seen and so fifteen officers were appointed as members of the SARS.
“The fifteen” began operating in shadows to avoid the wrath of the army. It will also be important to note that at this time, they were other functioning anti robbery squad. Therefore in other to be distinguished, it was given the name SPECIAL ANTI ROBBERY SQUAD (SARS).
It is also important to note that this group was formed for the sole purpose of investigating crimes such as robbery and kidnapping as its name implies.
PROTECTORS TURNED PREDATORS
PROTECTORS TURNED PREDATORS
PROTECTORS TURNED PREDATORS
To understand the atrocity the special anti robbery squad has become, one needs to delve into its history and origin.
1992
Approximately twenty eight years ago, the nightmare which we all now refer to as 'SARS' was formed. All through the years, there have been major controversies surrounding the group.
One might wonder why a group that was formed for investigating robbery has become the demon that incites deep fear. It's origin gives an inkling of the answer. Although a tad bit stretchy, one might even say that the SARS was formed in a rush, with little or no thoughts of long term effect.
SARS was formed by the then police commissioner, Simon Danladi Midena.
WHY?
A Nigerian army colonel by the name Col. Rindam, was killed by a police officer at a checkpoint in Lagos. When the army found out, all hell broke loose and they were sent to go into the streets of Lagos in search of every and any police officer. The Nigerian police in fear, withdrew from their places of work. Some resigned, others ran away for their dear lives. Two weeks later, a drastic increase in crime rate was seen and so fifteen officers were appointed as members of the SARS.
“The fifteen” began operating in shadows to avoid the wrath of the army. It will also be important to note that at this time, they were other functioning anti robbery squad. Therefore in other to be distinguished, it was given the name SPECIAL ANTI ROBBERY SQUAD (SARS).
It is also important to note that this group was formed for the sole purpose of investigating crimes such as robbery and kidnapping as its name implies.
So how then did we get here?