How To Avoid SARS Harassment: A Manual For Young Nigerians
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS has proven over time that it cannot be trusted by young Nigerians who have been at the receiving end of its high-handedness, unlawful arrests, and extortion.
In order to be safe and avoid being harassed by the group, here are some precautions to take.
Keep a low profile
One of the best ways to avoid a run-in with SARS is by staying away from any activity that will draw negative attention to you. Being too loud and extravagant with the way you spend money in the club or other social gatherings might get you marked by the group.
Don’t engage in unlawful acts
You already know that you’re courting trouble when you engage in criminality, and there should be no surprises when SARS comes after you. So, it’s advisable that you avoid all kinds of illegal activities, including internet fraud (yahoo-yahoo) and petty theft.
Don’t confront SARS operatives physically
No matter how provoked you are, don’t be tempted to engage a SARS operative in a fight. This will implicate you and give them grounds to deal with you as they wish.
Watch the company you keep
Don’t hang out with people who engage in questionable activities. Even if you don’t join them in their acts, you’ll be seen as a part of the crew when SARS comes for them.
Always have a means of Identification with you
Ensure you have your ID card with you, especially when you’re going out late at night. This could save you from endless questions about who you are.
Respond with confidence while you’re being interrogated
Be confident and clear while responding to the questions that SARS operatives throw at you, and ensure that you do not agree to or say anything that could implicate you.
Raise an alert whenever you’re wrongly apprehended by SARS
SARS always preys on willing victims. Inasmuch as you shouldn’t fight with the operatives, it is important to raise the alarm when you’re wrongly apprehended or ask for help from people around you. This will help distill the tension.
Keep important numbers of family or friends at your reach
You should always have numbers of a reliable family member or friend you can call on speed dial when SARS is harassing you. They can help amplify your voice and get you some help.
Use discretion while trying to gather proof of SARS harassment
Ensure that you’re not putting yourself at greater risk while trying to record a video or gather proof of SARS harassment.
Report all SARS harassment to the police
You might think it will make no difference, but reporting SARS harassment to the police creates the chance of investigating the issue and bringing the operatives involved to justice. The police have provided the lines below for reporting any abuse by SARS operatives:
IGP X-SQUAD
CALLS: 0902 690 0729, 08078662130, 08174041000
SMS: 0903 227 8905
WHATSAPP: 0903 562 1377
PUBLIC COMPLAINT RAPID RESPONSE UNIT (PCRRU)
08057000001 – Calls Only
08057000002 – Calls Only
08057000003 – SMS & WhatsApp only
Have you been arrested or harassed by SARS before? How were you able to come out of the situation? Please share it with us.
