The Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has tasked the police officers being trained to man the Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT) put in place to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), on professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
A press statement by the Assistant Director and Head Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Police Affair, Odutayo Oluseyi, Tuesday in Abuja, said the handed down the charge during a visit to the Police Mobile Training College, Ende Hills in Nasarawa state.
He said 420 Police personnel drawn from 13 states were currently undergoing training at the Police College including members of the recently constituted SWAT.
The spokesperson said the minister, who was accompanied by Civil Society Organisation (CSOs), visited the training college to observe, inspect, and supervise the training of the officers.
Oluseyi said the minister, who assured on President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the reform of the Nigeria Police, said the training would better equip the officers with necessary skills in line with best global practice.
According to the minister, the respect of human rights and protection of lives and properties are non-negotiable obligation on the part of the Police, particularly the new SWAT.
While inspecting the trainees who are in the 3rd week of training, the minister assured them that government was sensitive to their plight and was committed to their welfare.
Dingyadi disclosed that he would also tour Lagos and other states where Police stations and barracks were destroyed as a result of the #EndSARS protests which was hijacked by miscreants.
