Former NDLEA Boss Who Created SARS Is Dead

Fulani Kwajafa, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and retired police commissioner, has passed away at 88.

The news was confirmed by his son, Nuhu Fulani Kwajafa, who serves as the Director General of the Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care (GIPLC).

In an Instagram post  Nuhu wrote, “This morning, my beloved father passed away at the age of 88. I thank God for his life and his contributions to our great country, Nigeria. We will deeply miss you, dad… Rest In Peace, Fulani Kwajafa OFR.”

Kwajafa, known for his role in establishing the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), began his career as a constable in the Nigeria Police Force in 1954, rising to the rank of police commissioner by 1984. He was appointed NDLEA Chairman and CEO in 1991.

In a 2020 interview with BBC Hausa, Kwajafa expressed disappointment over how SARS had deviated from its original purpose.

“This is not why we created SARS,” he said, reflecting on the directive he received from then Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, to address escalating crime rates.

“Mr Inyang called me and told me to come up with a plan to save the country from thieves,” Kwajafa explained.

The unit’s initial mandate was to combat robbery, but over time, it became infamous for human rights abuses, leading to nationwide protests.

Reflecting on the unintended consequences, Kwajafa admitted, “When I am mentioned as the creator of SARS, I feel ashamed. It’s a thing of regret for me. If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn’t have created it.”