Police IG orders immediate deployment of SWAT operatives
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate deployment of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units nationwide.
The police began training SWAT units following the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which faced allegations of corruption and murder.
Adamu, on Monday, reportedly instructed the 17 Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs) of Police to deploy all the recently trained members of SWAT for routine patrols with immediate effect.
The deployment, it is hoped, would help fill the security vacuum left by SARS as the festive season approaches.
The IGP, according to the Vanguard, gave the order in a message to the AIGs which was also addressed to the commissioners of police in the states of the federation.
A senior police source revealed that the patrol by the SWAT operatives was part of the security measures being put in place to checkmate the increased spate of insecurity across the country.
The statement with reference number CH:5350/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.20/340 was tagged “Deployment of Newly Formed Special Weapon and Tactical Team operatives.”
Adamu said the SWAT operatives would be deployed for the time being pending when they are embarking on their primary operations.
The statement read:
“The Inspector General of Police directs that all recently selected and trained Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT) operatives are to be deployed for routine duties across areas of responsibility immediately.”
