President Muhammadu Buhari said he had directed the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, to address the concerns of Nigerians over police brutality in Nigeria.
The president made this known on Friday in a statement after meeting the police boss at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following the increasing protests by Nigerians against activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.
Nigerians have taken to the street in protest, calling on government to proscribe SARS.
The president said his government was committed to reforming the police in order to make it accountable to the people, and had given Adamu to address the issue.
He appealed to Nigerians to calm down.
His words: “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 president added: “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 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.”
