Reformed SARS: New Rules, Citizen Rights, and Safety Guidelines Every Nigerian Must Know

In response to years of public outcry, protests, and calls for reform, the Nigerian Police Force has unveiled a significant restructuring of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The announcement comes with a fresh mandate that clearly outlines the limits of the newly reformed unit’s responsibilities, as well as the rights of citizens to ensure proper conduct and transparency in law enforcement.

The new directive, which aims to rebuild public trust and restore order, introduces strict rules of engagement for SARS operatives. Here’s what every Nigerian should know:

Key rules of engagement for reformed SARS operatives

1. No Involvement in Civil Disputes: SARS officers are no longer permitted to interfere in civil matters such as family disagreements, domestic squabbles, or minor altercations among civilians. These are cases for civil courts or other divisions of the police force.
2. Cybercrime Not Under SARS Jurisdiction: Despite the prevalence of internet fraud locally referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo” SARS operatives have no authority to investigate or arrest individuals based solely on cybercrime allegations. That responsibility now lies with other specialized units like the EFCC or cybercrime divisions.
3. Stop and Search Requires a Distress Call: SARS officials are barred from conducting random stop-and-search operations unless there is a verified distress call or clear intelligence linking a suspect to serious criminal activity. Arbitrary harassment and roadblocks are no longer tolerated under the new guidelines.
4. No Commercial Dispute Involvement: Matters involving unpaid debts, landlord-tenant disputes, or other business-related disagreements fall outside the purview of SARS. Citizens are encouraged to resolve these through civil litigation or mediation.
5. Relationship and Social Matters Off-Limits: SARS is strictly forbidden from involving itself in personal relationships or social conflicts, such as marital disputes, boyfriend/girlfriend misunderstandings, or social media disagreements.
6. Exclusive Focus on Armed Robbery and Kidnapping: The unit’s sole responsibility now is tackling violent crimes specifically armed robbery and kidnapping. This aligns with the original purpose of the SARS unit and seeks to refocus efforts on urgent and life-threatening security threats.

Know your rights: What to do if you’re harassed by SARS

Despite the reforms, instances of police harassment may still occur. If you or someone you know is unlawfully approached or threatened by individuals claiming to be SARS officers, immediate action should be taken. The public is urged to report any misconduct using the following official contact channels:

• DIG, Department of Operations: 08037025670
• IGP X-Squad (for calls): 0902 690 0729, 0807 866 2130, 0817 404 1000
• SMS Reporting: 0903 227 8905
• WhatsApp Complaints: 0903 562 1377
• Email: integrityxsquad@gmail.com

These channels are operational and designed to respond swiftly to reports of harassment or abuse by police officers.

How to identify fake police officer

With the ongoing fight against impersonation, here are some simple ways to recognize fake policemen:

1. Check the number tag: A legitimate police officer’s identification number is exactly six digits. Any officer bearing a shorter or longer number is suspect.
2. Verify the gender identifier: Only female police officers have ID numbers that begin with “0.” If a male officer’s ID starts with “0,” it’s likely fake.
3. Look at the name tag: Official police uniforms now require a woven (stitched) name tag. Detachable or Velcro name tags are not permitted and should raise concern.
4. SPY police distinction: Supernumerary (SPY) officers wear uniforms with “SPY” boldly printed on the shoulder and have ID numbers limited to three or four digits. They are not full police officers and should not be enforcing criminal law independently.

General safety tips for citizens

• At night or in low-traffic areas, keep your windows rolled up and your car doors centrally locked.
• Be cautious of late-night stops. Always ask for identification and verify the officer’s credentials.
• If threatened or surrounded by suspicious individuals, do not hesitate to drive off if it’s safe to do so your life may depend on it.
• Avoid fear-based compliance. Confidence and calmness can deter impostors who rely on intimidation.

The reform of SARS marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey toward accountable and citizen-focused policing. However, the success of these reforms depends not only on enforcement by authorities but also on the awareness and vigilance of the Nigerian public.

Citizens are encouraged to stay informed, report misconduct, and educate friends and family about their rights. With collective effort, Nigeria can take a definitive step toward a just and safe society where human rights are protected, and law enforcement is truly in service of the people.