It is common knowledge that young Nigerians all over the country protest regularly against the brutality in the hands of law enforcement agents. As much as it is a disturbing paradox, Nigerians exercise caution around those recruited to protect them.

There are many who have noted how elements in the police operate in their community, abusing power, extorting people, selectively turning a blind eye to crimes, use of excessive force and the typical unwarranted arrests. These are some of the issues that have been said to plague our law enforcement agencies.

At the centre of this issue is The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) as it is popularly known. This unit of the Police was intended to serve as a response team for armed robberies but has become synonymous with immoral practices. Exploits in their fight against robbers are barely conversed, rather, issues of police brutality form the basis of conversations anytime you see the Police trending on social media.

Today is no different as SARS operatives in Awkuzu area of Anambra State have been accused by residents of brutal and inhumane actions.

These men at the Awkuzu SARS are so heartless, mean and wicked. Every single one of them has to be brought to book Including the then commissioner of police. It is so pathetic and disheartening that the Nigerian police force has become the biggest threat to the Nigerian citizens

— Slim Zaddy? (@iamvickyjay) July 9, 2020

These reports claim that the officers there have taken to terrorising their neighborhood, abusing power, detaining residents illegally and murder.

Awkuzu SARS is lion's den. If you come out from there, you are a lucky man. Even lawyers are afraid of going there. It was /might still be a nightmare

— Ezeudu Bobpete (@realstbob) July 8, 2020

Though based in Lagos, I've heard so many bad stories concerning the Awkuzu SARS, in fact it was as at then the most dreaded SARS all over Nigeria then, but I don't know of now. https://t.co/v52nmqvXcg

— My name is Positive (@Nwagode) July 9, 2020

Some of the tweets put out on the issue were down right disturbing, to say the least:

I nearly lost my brother here…
Anything about awkuzu Sars is nothing good to write about. https://t.co/6APOr1pKm3

— ?Nwa (@Adammayie) July 9, 2020

Awkuzu SARS is the worst police outfit in the world. They kill as it pleases them. There is no human being working at awkuzu SARS. If you're taking there, withing 7 days you're dead if you survive, you'll never finish telling the story of what you experienced there.

— OBINNA DOSSY (@DossyObinna) July 8, 2020

In Awkuzu Sars every night is sporadic shooting as if one is in Afghanistan or Syria,listen man if you are detained for a minor case in Awkuzu Sars,chances are that you won't make it out alive, sometimes the fire their guns inside cells where people are crowded.

— CHIEF OF CHIEFS (@Mr_decency7) July 8, 2020

That AWKUZU SARS is very dreaded…don't even jokingly have the slightest reason to be in their net

— Great George (@mexizgeorge) July 9, 2020

AWKUZU SARS!!! hmmn, when taken there, if you or your parents is not highly placed, you don't come out alive. Except God intervened. Childhood friend(AMAECHI CHINWUBA) was arrested years back. Till date nobody can tell of him. His dad had heart attack and died.

— Ifé émélu mma (@ChinweubaEjike) July 9, 2020

Most people made mention of the Officer-in-charge, one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) James Nwafor, as the mastermind behind terrible actions. The said officer is being called out today on Twitter, and Nigerians are demanding that he is investigated.

He walks amongst us. Find CSP James Nwafor Now. He must answer for all his crimes. #EndImpunity @SIAF_NG @RulaacOrg @NhrcNigeria @PoliceNG_CRU @AcpIshaku @IntlCrimCourt @MBuhari @femigbaja @AmnestyNigeria @policereformNG @citizen_gavel ? https://t.co/Y0G2XKmh4g

— Segun Awosanya®? (@segalink) July 9, 2020

UPDATE:

I have received more than 20 calls from concerned Nigerians telling me that they know @CspJamesNwafor, whilst at Awkuzu SARS Unit, Anambra State.

Reports shows that James Nwafor killed more than 6,000 people throughout his reign in Anambra State.

That is just an aside

— Savn Daniel (@savndaniel) July 9, 2020

Again I repeat, @anambrastate_ and @GovObiano should allow justice to prevail! Stop shielding @CspJamesNwafor ! Let him answer for all the people he has killed in Awkuzu SARS! Let him give account of his abuse of office and power!

— Obianuju (@Ada_mummyya) July 9, 2020

While this report is yet to be confirmed, the number of persons who have shared corroborating accounts on the activities in the Division, makes the issue very worrisome