As the #EndSARS demonstrations continued across the country, the Federal Government, yesterday, announced establishment of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to take over activities of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, who announced this in a statement also ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.
The IGP said the medical and psychological examination was a prelude to further training and reorientation for the officers before their redeployment into mainstream policing duties.
He said the medical examination would be carried out by the newly established Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU) set up to engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of police officers deployed for tactical operations and other duties.
The formation of the new unit was announced 48 hours after the IGP dissolved SARS following a nationwide outrage.
“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.”
Notwithstanding, street marches continued, yesterday, across the country.
In Asaba, Delta State, thousands of youths barricaded the entrance to the Delta State Government House.
They trooped to the streets to add their voices to the campaign against the now disbanded outfit.
At the Government House gate along Anwai road, Asaba, the protesters demanded an audience with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
At at the time of filing this report, the protesters were still at the Government House gate, amidst the downpour.
Security operatives maintained safe distance to avoid confrontation with the youths, who allegedly demanded to be mobilized before vacating the place.
