According to Abayomi Shogunle, Head of Police Complaint Rapid Response Unit, the Force would carry out psychiatric tests on all of its personnel.
In line with a directive by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, the Force has said it would conduct physical screening and psychiatric evaluation for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), now referred to as Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS).
The directive by the IGP came on the heels of an order by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, after repeated demands on the reformation of the Police department.
The Police had instituted a committee to oversee the overhauling of the department, with DIG Joshak Habila as the head.
According to Abayomi Shogunle, Head of the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) of the Nigeria Police Force, the Force would carry out psychiatric tests on all of its FSARS personnel.
Following a meeting with all FSARS Commanders at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Shogunle, in a series of tweets via his official handle, @YomiShogunle on Saturday, said: “There will be an immediate commencement of physical screening and psychiatric evaluation of all FSARS officers. FSARS personnel are to operate in full NPF uniform, pending the approval of new FSARS outfit by the IGP and distribution of same in the coming days.”
CP Haliru Gwandu, CP FSARS, according to Shogunle, also stated that the Police would redeploy many officers, stressing that only competent ones would be retained in the department.
He said: “Only competent officers will remain as Commanders in new FSARS. Those not measuring up to the acceptable standard will be redeployed and new courageous officers will be posted as replacements. Many of the personnel inherited will be posted out of FSARS.”
On his part, DC Amaechi Elumelu, DCP X-Squad, said: "The Overhaul SARS Committee will commence immediate visit to decongest SARS cells nationwide. FSARS will only handle armed robbery and kidnap cases. IGP X-Squad personnel have commenced enforcement of all new directives as issued by IGP Idris. "
Joshak had, in the meeting with all FSARS Commanders at Abuja, disclosed a new working operational guide to the commanders and emphasised that all FSARS officers must strictly comply with it. He added that IGP X-Squad personnel have commenced enforcement of all new directives.
The Police also directed that no FSARS officer must wear dreadlocks, stud earrings or bear body tattoos.