By DAPO FALADE
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu, has ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examinations.
The order, as contained in a press release by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Frank Mba, was in accordance with Section 18 (10) of the Police Act 2020.
The officers, according to the release, are expected to undergo the process as a prelude to further training and re-orientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.
The IGP also announced the setting up of a new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team that will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.
“The medical examination will be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU) which, henceforth, shall engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of officers of the Force deployed for tactical operations and other duties.
“The Unit, which is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer, has its membership drawn from among psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, public relations practitioners, civil societies and other human tights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.
“Meanwhile, 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,” the released stated.
IGP Adamu reaffirmed his irrevocable commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the police reforms.
He also enjoined members of the public, particularly protesting citizens, to exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition and engender a police force that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.
Leave a Reply