Cabinet approves reorganization and strengthening of the MMAD police unit

The Cypriot Council of Ministers approved a proposal by Minister of Justice Kostas Fytiris to reorganize and strengthen the Motorized Unit of Direct Action (MMAD). The initiative aims to improve operational readiness and response times for high-risk incidents. Key measures include the creation of regional MMAD detachments in every province and the introduction of new staffing criteria. Recruitment will prioritize personnel from the National Guard Special Forces, including commandos, underwater demolition teams, military police, and former contract border guards. The government plans to hire special police officers with higher qualifications specifically for the unit. A legislative committee has been formed to establish the necessary legal framework for these changes. While some sources identify Ionas Nicolaou as the Minister of Justice, the provided reports consistently name Kostas Fytiris.