The United Nations has criticised the creation of the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) by the Nigeria Police Force, the high commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet has said.
In a statement, the U.N high commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet noted that the police swiftly created SWAT without addressing some of the root causes of police violence and putting in place sufficient safeguards to prevent it reoccurrence.
The new squad was established to replace the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) following several allegations of human rights abuses as a result of undue profiling and stereotyping.
However, protesters remained persist. The #EndSARS movement metamorphosed into agitation for improved governance in addition to justice for victims of police brutality.
On Tuesday, soldiers shot at the protesters while camping at the Lekki tollgate, leading to the death of 12 persons, according to Amnesty International.
Bachelet stated that there have been few if any charges against former SARS operatives despite evidence against them.
She also called on the Nigerian authorities to focus on dealing decisively with the underlying problem of persistent violations committed by the security forces.
“While the number of casualties of yesterday’s shooting at the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos is still not clear, there is little doubt that this was a case of excessive use of force, resulting in unlawful killings with live ammunition, by Nigerian armed forces.
“Reports that CCTV cameras and lighting were deliberately disabled prior to the shooting are even more disturbing as, if confirmed, they suggest this deplorable attack on peaceful protestors was premeditated, planned and coordinated.
“There need to be immediate, independent, transparent and thorough investigations, not just into last night’s killings, but also into all the previous violations committed by security forces,” she said.
“Those appointed to carry out such investigations must not only be independent and impartial but must be widely perceived as such.
“And, where sufficient evidence already exists to warrant charges, immediate suspension of officers – including senior officers — suspected of committing serious crimes, should take place long before the conclusion of such investigations,” she said.
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