IGP Dissolves SWAT, Introduces New Crime Response Units

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) announced significant operational reforms within the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), including the dissolution of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. The new Violent Crime Response Units (VCRU) will be deployed nationwide, operating across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The IGP explained that the VCRU will replace the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad and will be directly supervised by state commissioners of police. These units will conduct operations based on credible intelligence, ensuring compliance with human rights standards and avoiding arbitrary deployments.

The IGP condemned recent extrajudicial killings, particularly in Effurun, Delta State, and confirmed that officers involved in such incidents would face dismissal and prosecution. The IGP also directed a comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition across commands to prevent misuse.

Recent operations led to the arrest of 28 terrorism suspects, 85 kidnapping suspects, and the rescue of 189 kidnapping victims nationwide.