The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Spokesman, 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.
Mr Mba said that 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, according to the statement, is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer, with its membership drawn from amongst psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, Public Relations practitioners, Civil Society and other Human Rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
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.
Mr Mba said prospective members of the 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. Also, 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 Inspector General reaffirmed his commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the Police reforms, and enjoined protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition.
