News

SWAT Replaces SARS as IGP Invites Disbanded Squad Members for Psychological Examination

*New Team Starts Training Next Week

Malik Yahya/

A new police special unit has been announced today to replace the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that was dissolved on Sunday following widespread protests over their activities.

The new unit christened Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) would commence training next week, says the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, says SWAT was established today in accordance with Section 18 (10) of the Police Act 2020.

According to Mba, the IGP has ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for debriefing, psychological and medical examination. The officers are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.

He stated: “The medical examination will be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU), a Unit, which henceforth shall engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of officers of the Force deployed for tactical operations and other duties. The Unit, which is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer, has its membership drawn from amongst psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, Public Relations practitioners, Civil Society and other Human Rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.

“Meanwhile, the IGP has set up a new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team that will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS. Prospective members of this new team will also undergo psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment. They are to commence training at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week. While personnel from the Police Commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State, those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, respectively.

“While reaffirming his irrevocable commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the Police reforms, the IGP enjoins members of the public, particularly protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition and engender a Police Force that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.”

0
Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

Recent Posts

Federal Reserve Chair, Powell, Says He’ll Refuse to Step Down if Trump Asks

Femi Ashekun/ Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, has declared that he wouldn’t resign if President-elect…

11 hours ago

FG Responds to Malaysia’s Plan to Phase Out CNG, Clarifies its Position on Adoption

Segun Atanda/ The Nigerian government has responded to Malaysia's recent announcement to phase out compressed…

17 hours ago

Lagos Police Arrest Dog Owner After Fatal Attack on Security Guard in Lekki

Matilda Omonaiye/ The police in Lagos have arrested Salisu Mustapha, the owner of three dogs…

23 hours ago

Why America Chose Donald Trump Again: A Vote for Defiance and Distrust

Dipo Kehinde/ As the news broke, many around the world struggled to understand how a…

2 days ago

Donald Trump Elected US President in Historic Comeback

Editor/ Donald Trump has defeated Kamala Harris in the US presidential election, marking a surprising…

2 days ago

Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja, Dies at 56

Pat Stevens/ Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead. He reportedly died…

2 days ago