Nigerian SWAT accused of extorting cash from a civilian at gunpoint in Lagos

Officers of the Police Unit Special Weapon Tactical Team (SWAT), have been accused of extorting cash from a civilian at gunpoint in Lagos state.

This was made known by activist, Segun Awosanya aka Segalink, who claimed that the SWAT team that occupies the Adeniji base of the defunct FSARS has been accused of harassing and extorting civilians as SARS officials did.

Segalink said a civilian was picked up last night, Jan. 25, at the Lekki Ikoyi Link Bridge by members of SWAT team led by an officer named Lekan and they allegedly extorted N550K from him at gunpoint. Segalink said he intervened and the money was recovered while the officers involved are expected to report at the CP’s office at the State Police Command.

“I wonder why any SWAT team should be roaming peaceful streets when it was against their SOP which is specifically to respond to emergencies regarding armed robbery and kidnapping. Why have they suddenly become the kidnappers & armed robbers?! Who authorized their operation?!” Segalink wrote on Twitter.