SARS personnel for debriefing, tests as new unit begins training

PDP chief wants independent probe of errant officers
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered all operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.

According to Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, the officers are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.

“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 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 psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, Public Relations (PR) practitioners, civil society and other human rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise,” he added.

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,” Mba said.

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Mr. Opeyemi Falegan, has called for an independent panel to investigate some members of SARS.

The founding member of PDP in Ekiti told newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday that independent probe was the only way to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

He said: “To say the least, Nigerians, especially the youths, have lost confidence in the professionalism of NPF because of the activities of few bad eggs in the system, hence, the need for a high-powered probe panel.”

“There may not be another opportunity for a positive intervention to give the police a good name. But before this could be achieved, the culprits among them must be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.”

Falegan, however, commended Nigerian youths for coming together, irrespective of status, to demand the end to police brutality in the country.

“The zeal, determination and courage displayed by the youths must be sustained to confront other ills of the society, especially youth unemployment and corruption, to promote good governance in the country,” he said.

Urging the youths to remain in the forefront of building a new Nigeria, he added: “Youths have prominent roles to play in achieving a better and coordinated society. Therefore, the government at all levels must always strive at every opportunity to tap from their developed manpower and intelligence to solve some of the challenges confronting the nation.”

He commended the IGP for disbanding SARS and called on the youths to reciprocate the gesture by always engaging in legitimate activities that would not soil their names or those of other Nigerians.