It is now mandatory for would-be policemen and those joining other gun-wielding security agencies to undergo psychiatric and drug tests, the Federal Government said yesterday.
Besides, those who are serving in the armed forces and the allied agencies will go through such tests periodically.
This is one of the measures taken by the government in the aftermath of last year’s #EndSARS protests.
Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed announced this yesterday in Abuja.
Yesterday was the first anniversary of the widespread protests by some youths against brutality by policemen especially men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The protest snowballed into violence which led to the destruction of various government and private properties runing into over a trillion naira.
In Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and some other cities, some youths held rallies and processions to mark the anniversary. There was no record of margin violence at any part of the country.
Speaking in Abuja, the minister, who itemized other remedial measures by the government in response to the call by the youths, said the Federal Government’s nine-reform plans for police and other security agencies.
He said “of 28 states that set up panels of inquiring on the #EndSARS protests have limited their reports to the National Executive Council (NEC).
Also yesterday, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo urged the youths to participate in politics to effect the desired changes in government.
Mohammed, who addressed reporters in Abuja, said the reforms were aimed at enhancing the efficiency of security agency.
He said the said: will insist on adhence to the rules of engagement and use of cutting edge technology in the fight against crimes.
