IGP Replaces Disbanded SARS With SWAT

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has replaced the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with a new squad known as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the IGP has further ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.

He added that the officers are expected to undergo the process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.

According to him, the medical examination will be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU).

He said the unit, henceforth shall engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of officers of the Force deployed for tactical operations and other duties.

He explained that the Unit is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer.

Its membership is drawn from amongst psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, public relations practitioners, civil society and other Human Rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.

Mba said, “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.”