The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has begged Nigerians to maintain peace and maturity at the ongoing protests against police brutality.

PENGASSAN’s President, Mr. Festus Osifo and the General Secretary, Mr. Lumumba Okugbawa revealed this in a recent statement on Monday.

According to him, PENGASSAN stands in solidarity with all well-meaning Nigerians, and brutality in all and any form must end in the nation once and for all.

He added that the inhumane treatment meted to Nigerians, especially youths, is evident and it is a shame that it comes from officers in uniform who swore to protect and serve every Nigerian.

His words, “PENGASSAN stands in solidarity with all well-meaning Nigerians, as we peacefully demand the Nigerian government put an end to brutality in all and any form, by any organisation or sector,”

“In the past few weeks, reports have come to light detailing the excessive use of force by police officers including unjustified shootings, severe beating, with most resulting in unwarranted deaths.

The inhumane treatment meted to Nigerians especially youths is evident.

“These reports show systemic abuse and reflect the fact that significant barriers to accountability exist and prevent erring officers from facing justice.”

“At this time, we remember Nigerians who have been molested, harassed, assaulted and killed owing to the actions of officers in uniform who swore to protect and serve every Nigerian.”

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The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is a Nigerian Police Force unit under the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Anthony Ogbizi. Since 2012, SARS has come under controversy for being linked to acts of extortion, torture, framing and blackmail.

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad was founded in 1992 by former police commissioner Simeon Danladi Midenda. The major reason SARS was formed was when Col. Rindam, a Nigerian Army Colonel was killed by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.

SARS is one of the 14 units in the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department which was established to detain, investigate and prosecute people involved in crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping and other forms of crimes.

During its formation the Special Anti-Robbery Squad was known to operate covertly. SARS operatives were not allowed to wear police uniform, publicly carry guns or have walkie-talkies. They were given unmarked vehicles with sometimes no license plates or private plate numbers during duty.