The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has declared support for the ongoing nationwide #EndSARS protests.

In a tweet on his verified Twitter handle; the high profile clergyman said “Our daughters will not be able to prophesy and young men will not see visions if we don’t keep them alive.

I support the youths in this peaceful protest as they “speak up” to end Police brutality

Part of the statement released by RCCG read, “The church declares its understanding and appreciation of the concerns and grievances of the youths and the generality of Nigerians and calls for an immediate end to police brutality in the country.

While noting the Constitutional responsibility of the police to maintain law and order, the church emphasises the need for the police to constantly align their strategies with the need of the people. While noting that many innocent lives have been lost through unnecessary brutality and wrong application of force, the church calls on the government not to only restructure the police but also reorientate the officers towards modern ways of policing.”

Meanwhile it would be recalled that two days after disbanding SARS, the IGP set up a SWAT unit, however, this move did not go down well with those who had protested for the dissolution of the anti-robbery squad, causing them to change the mantra from #EndSARS to #EndSWAT.

The police have said that no member of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a part of the newly constituted Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

Two days after disbanding SARS, the IGP set up a SWAT unit, however, this move did not go down well with those who had protested for the dissolution of the anti-robbery squad, causing them to change the mantra from #EndSARS to #EndSWAT.

The call for the disbanding of the new unit is hinged on the arguments suggesting that the decision to immediately effect change is hasty and unpremeditated.

Mr. Mba’s communique also states that those who will be members of the new Tactical Team must be free of any pending disciplinary matter especially those that touch on misuse of firearms and abuse of human rights.

It adds that the new Tactical Team will only: “respond to robbery attacks, respond to scenes of weapon-related crimes, rescue operations, and special operations involving high profile crimes”.

The church welcomes the disbandment of the SARS, and notes the establishment of a new outfit called The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), but advises that it should not become a case of new wine in an old bottle.

The church reiterates its call on the government to take urgent steps to tackle the rising case of unemployment, decay in the nation’s education system, and the general harsh economic situation in the country.

The Church appeals to young Nigerians to comport themselves orderly as they have been online and in major cities across the federation and express their grievances within the confines of what God and the law of the land allows.

The police have said that no member of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a part of the newly constituted Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

Two days after disbanding SARS, the IGP set up a SWAT unit, however, this move did not go down well with those who had protested for the dissolution of the anti-robbery squad, causing them to change the mantra from #EndSARS to #EndSWAT.

In a bid to throw more light on the new unit set up by the IGP, the police put out a statement via Twitter stating what their mandate will be, however, rather than refer to them as SWAT, police spokesman Frank Mba who put out the statement used the phrase ‘Tactical Team’.

He also noted that the operations of the Tactical Team will be strictly intelligence-driven. Members of the new Tactical Team are also expected not to embark on routine patrols.