ABUJA: Nigeria has dissolved a special police unit after public protests alleging brutality and will launch an investigation into its activities, the presidency announced Sunday.

"The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force has been dissolved WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT," said a tweet from the Nigerian presidency.

The Nigerian Police Force announced in a tweet an investigation into allegations "of crimes committed against citizens", adding "the culprits will be punished".