BREAKING: IGP orders all ex-SARS operatives to report at force HQ

The inspector-general of police, Mohammed Adamu, has set up a new unit to replace the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS).

The formation of the new unit was announced 48 hours after the IGP dissolved SARS following a nationwide outrage.

In a statement on Tuesday, Frank Mba, force spokesman, said the IGP had ordered all personnel of the disbanded SARS to report at force headquarters in Abuja for debriefing.

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A. Adamu, NPM, mni has, today, 13th October, 2020, in accordance with Section 18 (10) of the Police Act 2020, ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing, 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,” the statement read.

“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 drawn from amongst psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, Public Relations practitioners, Civil Society and other Human Rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.”