Nigerian officials have announced plans to end the country's controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad after years of disapproval from the general public.
"The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force has been dissolved with immediate effect. The Inspector General of Police will communicate further developments in this regard," the office of President Muhammadu Buhari tweeted.
The decision to disband the unit comes just a week after video appeared to show SARS officers shooting and killing a young man in Delta State. Nigerian residents have also raised concerns regarding other acts of brutality, bribery and unnecessary use of force.
In response, citizens nearly week-long series of mass protest throughout the country. Joining in online, John Boyega, Cardi B and others also tweeted their support for protesters using the #EndSARS Twitter movement. Moving forward, Nigerian officials are looking to reorganize the unit and change their strategy.
"All officers and men of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) are to be redeployed with immediate effect. A new policing arrangement to address anticipated policing gaps the dissolution of SARS will cause is being worked on and will be announced by the Nigerian Police Force," the office of President Muhammadu Buhari added.
Despite their plans to reorganize and redeploy members, critics are unsure of how that will do anything to build trust between the police force and citizens.As a result, citizens continue to protest for an end to SARS permanently in Nigeria.
"Nigerian youth don't let anyone tell you you don't have a voice. We have achieved our goal," Wizkid said at a protest on Sunday.
"But this is just the beginning."