President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed for calm and patience from Nigerians calling for an end to the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Police.
In a statement on Friday evening, the president said he is determined to reform the anti-robbery unit, halting brutality and unethical conduct.
While acknowledging that Nigerians have the right to make their views known peacefully, President Buhari, however, assured that his administration is not blind to the plight of its citizens.
“I met again with the Inspector General of Police tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people,” the statement reads.
“The IG already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, and ensure erring personnel are brought to justice. I appeal for patience and calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.”
The president, however, disclosed that a “vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, and we will continue to support them to do their job.”
Protests on Friday entered its second day in Nigeria calling for an end to Police brutality on civilians.
Hundreds of youths gathered in Ikeja, Lagos State, holding banners reading “respect for human rights” and “a more equal society”.
In Abuja, dozens of protesters also gathered and police forces used tear gas to disperse protesters, according to witness accounts.
