President Muhammed Buhari has said that the fundamental human rights of Nigerians are sacrosanct and must be protected against abuses by law enforcement agents.

The President spoke in Abuja while receiving the report of the Presidential Panel on Special Anti-Robbery Squad Reform.

The Presidential Presidential Panel on SARS Reform had recommended the dismissal of 37 policemen accused violating the rights of Nigerians.

The investigation into human rights abuses by SARS operatives was done in conjunction with the National Human Rights Commission.

He said the recommendations of the panel would be implemented, expressing hope that they would address the various allegations of rights abuses against SARS personnel.

In all the Presidential Panel received 113 complaints across Nigeria, investigated and arrived at the conclusions and recommendations.

He spoke further,

“Reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force to be more effective and efficient in safeguarding lives and properties, apprehending offenders and generally improving the internal security of our Nation in line with our laws and international best practices has been one of the major policies of this Administration.

“In order to reposition the Nigeria Police Force to effectively carry out its statutory responsibilities, I have taken major steps by increasing the workforce of the Nigeria Police as well as improving the welfare of Police officers, because they put their lives on the front line on a daily basis so that the rest of us may freely go about our business in safety.

“However, in carrying out their statutory responsibilities, the Police must at all times act within the ambit of the law and must not violate the fundamental human rights of Nigerians whom they have sworn to protect.

“Where the rights of Nigerians are violated by Police Officers while discharging their functions, the Government has a responsibility to address the instances of violation in line with its human rights obligations and ensure that such Police Officers are held accountable for their actions.

“It is in recognition of our obligations under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and International Human Rights Laws, that this Administration decided to set up this Presidential Panel and directed the National Human Rights Commission to constitute its membership in order to investigate the various public outcries and media reports alleging human rights violations against citizens by officers of SARS.”