Many Nigerians have on Monday cried over the alleged unlawful activities of a new security outfit called ‘NDLEA SWAT‘, which appears to be operating on highways in the country.
Singer and activist, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens better known as Ruggedman raised alarm about the unit via his official Twitter handle on Sunday, December 20.
While sharing two photos of alleged members of the security unit, Ruggedman queried Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency why some of its members were searching phones of motorists.
Dear @PoliceNG @PoliceNG_CRU @ndlea_nigeria what is NDLEA SWAT and why are they on the road with guns searching peoples phone?#WhatisNdleaSwat
Cc @segalink @NGRSenate @NGRPresident #Nigeria #Dotherightthing #Endimpunity#adoaja #skijumpingfamily #mystylerocksgr pic.twitter.com/6Nt21uruX2
— RUGGEDMAN (@RuggedyBaba) December 20, 2020
The operation of the new security outfit called ‘NDLEA SWAT’ which means Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency Special Weapon and Tactical Team has since sparked angry reactions among Nigerians.
Some queried authorities on why they are on major roads wielding guns and searching peoples phone just like members of defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police unit were often accused of before it was disbanded.
Read Also: EndSARS: Runtown, Falz Lead Protest In Lagos (photos/videos)
It would be recalled that protests against the defunct SARS and police brutality broke out in different states in October, which ran for about 2 weeks.
The police unit was accused of its high-handedness such extortion, brutality, maiming and even killing of Nigerians especially youths.
Read Also: Insecurity: IGP Orders Immediate Deployment Of SWAT Operatives
This led to the disbandment of the unit and establishment of Special Weapon and Tactical Team (SWAT), a unit which Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu deployed for routine patrols across the country amid several calls for better security.
See some reactions from Nigerians on Twitter below;
NDLEA SWAT are back again
See as first frame be like kidnappers pic.twitter.com/MCjLgHtDWN— A D E N I Y I (@theAdeniyionly) December 21, 2020
We are here again! NDLEA SWAT.
Coming soon 👉 EFCC SWAT, Immigration SWAT, Customs SWAT, CBN SWAT, NAFDAC SWAT, FIRS SWAT, NIMC SWAT, INEC SWAT 🤔, CAC/CAMA SWAT 😳, DSS SWAT, PHCN SWAT, FRSC SWAT, NIA SWAT, NCC SWAT 🧐 (Lai), NUC SWAT, FERMA SWAT. 🥳pic.twitter.com/DoonzMYuIQ
— Ayemojubar (@ayemojubar) December 21, 2020
I don’t understand this government again what the hell is NDLEA and SWAT again
#”NDLEA SWAT” pic.twitter.com/j5LcZ5QHle— Arab_king👑🛠🗡 (@Sarmie_dav) December 21, 2020
NDLEA SWAT already lacks a uniform way to identify them,but have subsequently been given guns to carry out their dastardly acts,like their predecessors?!!🤔
This Nigerian Government keeps giving Nigerians more reasons to lose trust in them & to further Soro Soke!🤷🏿♂️🤷🏿♂️#EndSARS ! pic.twitter.com/3pzmA2xmZH
— ScottyAidingTo#EndSARS !! (🇳🇬✊🏿🇳🇬)《🦍,🔱,💡》 (@scotty_ship) December 21, 2020
NDLEA SWAT armed with gun, searching people’s phone. The question is, what is “NDLEA SWAT”? pic.twitter.com/atZ4EXJxra
— The Realm News (@TheRealmNews) December 21, 2020
NDLEA SWAT… Woww So these guy are to search for drugs in peoples phone?
This is absurd! #EndSARS #EndBadGovernanceinNIGERIA #Endswat
The @officialEFCC should do what they are being paid to do! pic.twitter.com/ma8ZfjYCre— Laughie #ENDSARS ☀ (@IamLaughie) December 21, 2020
Dear @PoliceNG @PoliceNG_CRU @ndlea_nigeria what is NDLEA SWAT and why are they on the road with guns searching peoples phone?#WhatisNdleaSwat
Cc @segalink @NGRSenate @NGRPresident #Nigeria #Dotherightthing #Endimpunity#adoaja #skijumpingfamily pic.twitter.com/Doxyc7O2dj
— SoroSokeNIGERIA (@SoroSoke9JA) December 21, 2020
LMAOOOOO. NDLEA SWAT that will try to go through my phone on the road would have to shoot me oooo.
On god. You will shoot me.
— Main Man Moshood. 💼 (@Dxski_) December 21, 2020
