LAGOS/YENAGOA (NIGERIA) – As thousands of Nigerians took to the streets demanding action against police brutality, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it would help train the country’s new tactical force.
Protests started two weeks ago seeking the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which is accused of extortion, brutality and torture by rights groups, including Amnesty International.
The Nigerian police denied the allegations against SARS. But it said that “unruly and unprofessional” officers have been arrested.
After SARS was disbanded on October 11, a new unit, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, was formed to fill the void.
ICRC and other development partners will train SWAT, said Mohammed Adamu, inspector general of police, adding that former SWAT officers will not be allowed to join the new team.
According to police, the new team would be trained on humanitarian laws, police conduct in conflict, and human rights while using force and making arrests.