Unic Press UK: As the ongoing nationwide protests against the brutality and “extrajudicial killings” of the Nigeria Police Force intensifies, the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, who recently disbanded a notorious Police squad, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), has established another squad named ‘Special Weapons and Tactics’ (SWAT).
In a press statement Tuesday, the Nigeria Police public relations officer, Frank Mba, announced the formation of SWAT.
“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.”
The Police personnel that would make up the SWAT squad are to commence training next week at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide.
With the setting up of SWAT, all personnel of the defunct SARS have been directed to report at the NPF headquarters, Abuja, for “debriefing, psychological and medical examination”, the statement further read.
Meanwhile, the #EndSARS movement seems to have rejected SWAT, with #EndSWAT trending in the social media. It is unclear how the issues would be resolved. However, the #EndSARS movement has already tabled their demands, insisting that all must be met by the government, otherwise the protests would not end.
Reactions to the new Police squad Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
No reforming of SARS
No rebranding
No SWAT
No redeployment#EndSWAT#EndSARS#EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria pic.twitter.com/L3ewQ5DiPc— #EndSWAT #EndSARS ✊🇳🇬❤️ (@Mescopaul) October 13, 2020
Are you still awake? This is a good time to trend the Hashtag #EndSWAT pic.twitter.com/UQ8lZYWnH5
— EVERGREEN_DAMILOLA(Eyan Wizzy) (@skylolo93) October 13, 2020
When they think we have slept, we push the hash tags harder! GEN Z! Retweet if you're still awake❤️🤣🙌🙌😭#EndSWAT #SWAT #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria #NoToSWAT #EndBadGovernanceinNIGERIA #ENDSARSOPPRESSION #EndSarsNow #sorosoke#SARSMUSTENDNOW pic.twitter.com/jh2Y6NC1Fd
— Splendour Oluebube Jacob (@splendourondmic) October 13, 2020
