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#EndSWAT: Nigerian Protesters Reject IGP’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Call For Complete Police Reform

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4 years ago

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Nigerian protesters have rejected the newly set up Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team by the Inspector General of the Police, Mohammed Adamu on Tuesday.

The protesters who have walked major cities across the country, calling for an end to police brutality, harassments, killings, and extortions say the newly formed SWAT is no different from the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Taking to social media, the protesters who have blocked off major roads especially in the commercial city of Lagos say they want a wholesale reform of the Nigerian Police Force.

A Twitter user, Joel urged the youths to stand firm against SWAT. “If we stand in unity to fight against our common enemy, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Let us take away ethnicity, let us take away religious belief, let us all come out as one. We are unbreakable, we are unstoppable and we shall achieve #EndSWAT,” he wrote.

Ajibola reckons that the move of the IGP was designed to end the protest but not end the brutality. “Same people, different name. We don’t want SWAT. #EndSWAT now,” he tweeted.

Demagogue Ph.D. said the demands of the protesters are clear. “We are clear with our demand. Disband SARS and never allow them back into the force. SWAT is a good idea, but it turns sour when you know that the recruits are the same murderous men of now-disbanded SARS. We have sane able-bodied men who can do the job. For this I join #EndSWAT,” he said.

Boaz Abigail urged Nigerian leaders to be more accountable to the citizens. “Enough of the police brutality and bad governance. We are all we have and should be allowed the right to defend what we stand for. Is it too much to ask that our leaders be responsible and accountable to the people whose taxes pay their salaries? Woman shrugging #EndSWAT,” she said.

The protesters have vowed to continue on Wednesday as they seek more reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

On Tuesday, the IG of Police had in a statement signed by Frank Mba, the police spokesperson noted that the SWAT team will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.

He said, “Prospective members of this new team will also undergo a psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.

“They are to commence training at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week.

“While personnel from the Police Commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State, those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State, and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, respectively.

“While reaffirming his irrevocable commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the Police reforms, the IGP enjoins members of the public, particularly protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition and engender a Police Force that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry,” the statement said.

See more tweets from Nigerians below:

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>You can’t make bitter-Kola sweet by changing its name to honey overnight, and you can’t change FSARS to angels by changing their name to SWAT overnight. After Saul repented, he went to the Arabian desert for 3 years<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SARSMUSTGO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SARSMUSTGO</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SARSMUSTEND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SARSMUSTEND</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria</a></p>&mdash; Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) <a href=”https://twitter.com/renoomokri/status/1316270655176765440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>See what NYSC sent to their corp members. Disgraceful 🤦🏾‍♂️ <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENDSARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ENDSARS</a> <a href=”https://t.co/D5hZiNLCbW”>pic.twitter.com/D5hZiNLCbW</a></p>&mdash; FEMI (@BrodaFemo) <a href=”https://twitter.com/BrodaFemo/status/1316274022401880064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Notice how we are also demanding for a better pay for the Nigerian police in our agitation? <br><br>Yet those unfortunate illiterate bastards will shoot and kill us without a second thought if given the order. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENDSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ENDSWAT</a></p>&mdash; Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) <a href=”https://twitter.com/MrOdanz/status/1316269311225483266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>They&#39;ve brought Sega to sprinkle a little bit of confusion and disarray inside our movement. The devil works but we work harder! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENDSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ENDSWAT</a></p>&mdash; PEGASUS🌍 (@LifeofPegasus) <a href=”https://twitter.com/LifeofPegasus/status/1316274746175225857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>This Government know what they are doing… They want to use this power tussle to divide us and they are slowly getting it… We mustn&#39;t allow them… This is the time to focus on what we want ..🙏🏽🇳🇬✊🏽<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouthDemocraticParty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#YouthDemocraticParty</a> <a href=”https://t.co/s6dmNHrqdH”>pic.twitter.com/s6dmNHrqdH</a></p>&mdash; A Romantic Letter To You ✒️😍💝 (@ink_seun) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ink_seun/status/1316275105530552320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>How can Debola Williams represent us in a meeting during the ongoing protest? Where was he when we all started this online. Youth don suffer!! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a></p>&mdash; Esv. Adesewa✨ (@DuchessT_) <a href=”https://twitter.com/DuchessT_/status/1316275373714354176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Normally I’d be pissed being in this traffic but right now, I’m joyfully chilling in this car. We reach office when we reach office. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a></p>&mdash; Elsie Godwin (@ELSiEiSY) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ELSiEiSY/status/1316276494386200576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>When we are done with this police nonsense, we are coming for everything else.<br><br>All the youths scrambling for power now, take note. No try us.<br><br>You be our mate, so there will be no talk of respect your elders.<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://t.co/DtIIt3UxFg”>pic.twitter.com/DtIIt3UxFg</a></p>&mdash; Ijeoma (@Ijeoma551) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Ijeoma551/status/1316276157592088576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Please guys, read this, <br>We must maintain a peaceful protest , if you must fight, use your voice, our voice is the strongest weapon we can use <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouthDemocraticParty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#YouthDemocraticParty</a> <br>Pamilerin <a href=”https://t.co/au5qv4Tggh”>pic.twitter.com/au5qv4Tggh</a></p>&mdash; sinachi👑 ❤️ (@Nachi_sam) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Nachi_sam/status/1316275063298109440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>No Talk Anything, Just Retweet! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> ✊🏾🇳🇬 <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoDeyShootUs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NoDeyShootUs</a> <a href=”https://t.co/O1HioBi2pC”>pic.twitter.com/O1HioBi2pC</a></p>&mdash; Man United in Pidgin (@ManUtdInPidgin) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ManUtdInPidgin/status/1316276399792103434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

 

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BIG STORY

Lagos Ministry Demolishes Illegal Gatehouse After Attack On Workers [PHOTOS]

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6 hours ago

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January 3, 2025

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The Lagos Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has commenced the demolition of an illegal gatehouse erected by the management of an estate on January 3, 2025.

The action follows repeated warnings from the ministry, which had earlier alerted the estate about the unlawful construction.

Sources revealed that the estate proceeded to build a soakaway system on the road immediately outside the entrance gate, despite several official warnings from the ministry.

This prompted the ministry’s task force to intervene on January 2, 2025, to dismantle the septic tank that was being constructed.

However, during the operation, workers from the ministry were reportedly attacked and locked up by the estate’s management.

In response to the harassment of its workers, the Lagos Ministry of Environment and Water Resources escalated its actions, directing the demolition of the illegal gatehouse on January 3, 2025.

The demolition is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to ensure that constructions adhere to legal and environmental standards.

Details later…

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Inside Jigawa: One Dead, Groom Hospitalised As Bride Allegedly Poisons Wedding Guests

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10 hours ago

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January 3, 2025

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A wedding in Jigawa State has turned tragic after a bride allegedly poisoned food served at the reception.

The incident reportedly left the groom critically ill and one of the wedding guests dead.

The incident occurred in the Jahun Local Government Area of the state.

Eyewitnesses suggested that the bride’s actions may have been driven by a personal vendetta.

Speaking on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation was underway.

“We received a report that the bride had tainted the food served at the wedding reception, leaving the groom critically ill.

“Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged food poisoning incident that occurred during a wedding ceremony in the state,” Adam said.

He revealed that the two suspects are the bride and another female, adding that they are in custody and being interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Department of the command.

The police spokesperson added, “We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”

According to the police spokesman, all the wedding attendants who consumed the poisoned food have been discharged from the hospital, except for the one person who was confirmed dead.

“The command is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we will provide more details as soon as possible.

“For now, we can confirm that the incident occurred, and we are working tirelessly to unravel the facts. We urge the public to remain calm and assured that justice will be served,” he concluded.

The identities of the deceased, the groom, and other victims have not been disclosed by the authorities.

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Peter Obi Hellbent On Inciting Nigerians Against President Tinubu, He’s A Doomsayer — APC

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10 hours ago

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January 3, 2025

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Peter Obi’s New Year message as “misleading and an attempt to score cheap political points.”

Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, used his New Year message to criticize President Bola Tinubu, expressing grave concerns over institutional corruption, mismanagement, poverty, hardship, and an escalating debt profile.

The former governor of Anambra stated that corruption has been deeply entrenched in government and nepotism has become the norm under Tinubu’s leadership.

He also demanded “vigorous, positive actions” from the administration to bring succour to Nigerians.

However, in a counter-statement on Thursday, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, stated that Obi’s assessment contradicted all indicators showing that the nation’s economy is rebounding across various sectors.

Morka accused Obi and members of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of relentlessly trying to incite public outrage against the Tinubu administration.

The APC further accused Obi of portraying himself as “a leading doomsayer, omniscient and philosopher’s stone” while failing to deliver “meaningful achievements during his eight-year tenure as governor in Anambra state.”

“In reality, 18 months later, the economy, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has shown a steady record of progress,” the statement reads.

“Despite these and other initial beneficial outcomes of ongoing reforms, the administration is doubling its effort to ensure their fullest benefits for the transformation of our country.

“It is a thing of irony that Obi, who now arrogates to himself to be omniscient and philosopher’s stone, when it comes to our nation’s challenges, left no record of significant achievement, let alone transformation of any kind, in his eight-year tenure as Governor of Anambra State.”

“Like his co-travellers in the PDP, Obi’s obsessive pessimism and endless but futile effort to incite public outrage against the administration is borne out of the realization that Tinubu is unwittingly cementing their political irrelevance by his visionary and full-throttle reform.”

“Under the banner of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu is dutifully turning our nation’s fortunes around. We urge Nigerians to remain confident of better days ahead.”

The ruling party added that Tinubu’s goal is to reduce inflation from 34 percent to 15 percent in 2025.

“With the vigour in the administration’s war on corruption, evidenced by ongoing investigations and trial of well-heeled Nigerians, Obi’s pontification on the urgent need to tame corruption is a clear case of carrying coal to Newcastle,” the party added.

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