Following the dissolution of The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced in a statement that its new tactical team (SWAT) will begin training on Monday, October 19.
According to the statement by the police spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, the Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, assured Nigerians that the new police tactical team will operate within very high professional and ethical standards, rule of law, and dictates of best international policing practices.
“Prospective members of this new team will also undergo a 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.”
Mba, also revealed that the NPF is partnering with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other development partners for the training of the tactical team.
Adding that no personnel of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a member of the new tactical team.
He also assured nigeria that the officers selected for the new team are young, smart and energetic who have acquired not less than seven years working experience with clean service records.
He said the selected officers shall be subjected to physical fitness test, medical and toxicology screening and those found to be unsuitable shall be discharged.
“The medical examination will be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU), a Unit 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 is drawn from psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors, imams, public relations practitioners, civil society, and other human rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.”
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