Efforts To Reform Nigeria Police Is Welcome, May Take Time – UN Coordinator In Nigeria

 

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, says the effort by the Nigerian government to reform police in the country is welcomed.

He added that the effort to dismantle the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force is also a welcome effort.

Kallon who said these in a post on his official Twitter page added that the process of reforming the police may however take time.

“I have followed the developments regarding #EndSARS movement. Government’s commitment to dismantle the outfit & reform the @PoliceNG is welcome. The process may take time. I appeal to the youth to remain peaceful. The @UN is committed to supporting Nigeria’s continued stability,” he tweeted.

 

I have followed the developments regarding #EndSARS movement. Government’s commitment to dismantle the outfit & reform the @PoliceNG is welcome. The process may take time. I appeal to the youth to remain peaceful. The @UN is committed to supporting Nigeria’s continued stability pic.twitter.com/YDKidZKnID

— Edward Kallon (@EdwardKallon) October 13, 2020

Kallon’s reaction follows mass protests held across the country demanding an end to police brutality and extortion by Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives.

The presidential in reaction to the protesters on Tuesday approved their demands, including halting the use of force against protesters and the unconditional release of arrested citizens.

The five-point demands of the protesters were okayed at a forum convened by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and the National Human Rights Commission, with stakeholders, a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said.

It was a multi-stakeholders’ forum attended by leaders and representatives of civil society organisations in Nigeria, activists from the entertainment industry, and the ENDSARS movement and development partners.

The Inspector-General of Police also on Tuesday set up a new unit called the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS).

Prospective members of the new team are expected to undergo a psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.