The United Kingdom has hailed the decision of the Federal Government dissolving the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, described the move as “an important first step”.

Laing, who made this known via her verified Twitter handle, @CatrionaLaing1, wrote, “Welcome the government announcement on the future of #SARS – an important first step.

“The IGP’s commitment to ensure accountability for human rights violations is essential to restoring public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

“Hearing reports of violence affecting ongoing protests. Urge authorities to respect the right to protest and protestors to remain peaceful.”

UGAMATV had earlier reported that after days of protests against the brutality and extrajudicial killings by SARS operatives, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday afternoon, announced the disbandment of the police unit.

Adamu said a new policing arrangement to replace the now-defunct SARS would be announced “in due course”.

“The Force is not oblivious of the ever-present need to combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country which was before now the core mandate of the erstwhile Squad.

“A new policing arrangement to address anticipated policing gaps the dissolution of SARS would cause has been evolved and shall be announced in due course,” the IGP said.