IG of Police Created SWAT team to replace SARS

The establishment of the Special Arms and Tactics (SWAT) unit to replace the recently disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was announced by the Nigerian Police Force.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu said that SWAT will fill the gaps left by SARS, whose primary function was to tackle violent crimes, especially armed robbery and abduction

nationwide demonstrations against the group’s extra-judicial activities that have intensified over the past few years, SARS was dissolved days ago.

According to a statement signed by Force spokesperson Frank Mba, prospective members of the unit will start training next week at various police tactical training institutions nationwide.

Prospective members of this new team will also undergo psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment,” the statement read.

SARS officers recalled to Abuja

Officers of the defunct SARS were also directed to return for debriefing, psychological and medical review to Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Since last week, # EndSARS protestors have organized major protests nationwide and in some cities around the world.

Before being redeployed into mainstream policing roles, the officers will also be retrained and reoriented, Mba stated.

The IGP reiterated its dedication to carrying out sweeping police reforms and urged Nigerians to show caution while protesting.

His previous declaration that SARS had been disbanded had failed to put an end to the demonstrations that began last week.

In particular, protests have turned bloody as police officers have used force or opened fire on demonstrators, with deaths reported over the past few days in Lagos and Oyo.

Many demonstrators have also been arrested and attacked for engaging in the marches by police officers.

Many have already called for the IGP’s resignation for the conduct of his officers in policing the peaceful protests.