ABSTRACT
Human rights are the rights that aspire to protect all people from several political, legal and social abuses. Human rights are rights that belong to an individual simply for being human these are right that belong to every person from birth to death. It refers to the wide collection of value to improve human agency or to protect human Interest
Human right violation cut across all sphere of man's existence and the Nigeria security service have been one of the greatest violators of the said rights in Nigeria SARS is one of the Nigeria Police Force units that is saddled with the responsibility of fighting crime in the society; specifically, robbery and kidnapping. It was founded by Simeon Danladi Midena a commissioner of the police
The mandate of SARS went beyond patrolling and investigating. It also made judgments about guilt and meted out punishment, just as policemen and soldiers had done during military rule. That punishment could entail torture, and even death, SARS officers also tormented Nigerians with more mundane harassment. They set up checkpoints to search cars and phones for “evidence” to find incriminating things in order to demand bribe and serve penalty to those who do not submit to their request
The need for this government to be proactive around security issues cannot be over-emphasized. It needs to start listening to public opinion when the governed says we don’t want this agency or this agency has outlived its usefulness then get up and do something. In a democracy setting, the rule of law protects the rights of citizens, maintains order and limits the power of government.
In this case, SARS operative and the Police should be protecting Nigerians not robbing them. Let us also remember that Institutions are part of what makes a country democratic, the earlier the government begins the reformation of the earlier the government begins the reformation of police force and ending SARS operations; the easier it will be to regain the confidence of the citizenry. The law that established these security agencies need to be revisited and see how these new developments could be included.
In a developed and some developing countries the police, SARS inclusive are meant to wear a body camera this is something the government needs to consider. Headcount and clocking in for duty and off duty should be introduced.² Their superiors should stop asking for returns, Nigerians are not their clients. Legislators should push for more stringent laws and set an example of defaulters. All SARS operatives should be in their uniform and conform to the guiding rules that established it.
The fact is if we don’t stand up against SARS’ brutality and abuse of human rights in Nigeria, soon it will be an ill wind that is stronger than hurricane and windstorms combined and it could carry you or your family too, Until there are checks and balances, killing and maiming citizens as they go about their business will continue to happen; it also means that public safety is not in the presidency’s bucket list.
Firstly, there is the need to address the systemic abuse of civil and political rights by the police and other government agencies. The government needs to commence intensive human rights training for all law enforcement officers. Officers should also be regularly appraised on their human rights compliance and erring officers prosecuted. In order to effectively protect the rights to life and freedom from torture, the government must ensure that it treats reports of violence, torture, and extrajudicial killings with the gravity they deserve. Such reports must be duly investigated through transparent means such as public inquiries and inquests, and victims should be adequately compensated. On the right to fair trial, the government must also initiate reforms to ensure that suspects are not detained without trial. The right to privacy can also be better protected by the government taking a clear stand on routine stop and search operations which appear to be an avenue for extortion by the police.
