The Nigeria Police Force has announced a newly created police unit called the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) will replace the recently-dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
SARS was disbanded October 11, 2020, following nationwide protests against the numerous illegal activities of the former police unit.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, said in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, that SWAT will effectively replace SARS whose main role was tackling violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.
Prospective members of the unit will commence training next week at different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, according to a statement signed by Force spokesperson, Frank Mba.
Following the new development, the IGP has ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS unit to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing and psychological and medical examination.
The officers are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.
