The Nigerian government has rebranded the recently disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT), according to a statement by the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed.
The IGP said in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 that SWAT will fill the gaps left by SARS whose main role was tackling violent crimes especially armed robbery and kidnapping.
The government will begin strategic training for the new unit at various Police tactical training institutions nationwide, according to a statement signed by Force spokesperson, Frank Mba.
“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.
While the unit is being set up, officers of the defunct SARS have also been ordered to return to Force Headquarters in Abuja for debriefing, psychological, and medical examination.
SARS was disbanded following viral protests by citizens against atrocities committed by the unit.
Nigerians on the social media have expressed mixed reactions over the new unit. See some of their reactions below:
