The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied reports suggesting the return of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) under a new set of rules.
In a statement on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, dismissed the speculation as false and misleading.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to debunk circulating rumors and misinformation about the return of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) under a reformed structure,” Adejobi stated.
He reaffirmed that SARS remains disbanded since its dissolution on October 11, 2020, following nationwide protests against police brutality.
Police Urge Public to Verify Information
Adejobi urged Nigerians to be cautious about unverified claims regarding SARS and the police force. He advised citizens to get accurate updates from official police social media handles, including:
- X (formerly Twitter): @PoliceNG
- Facebook: @ngpolice
- Instagram: @nigeriapoliceforce
“Your safety and awareness are paramount; stay informed and vigilant,” he added.
Background: SARS and the #EndSARS Protests
SARS was originally established in 1992 to tackle crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft. However, over time, the unit became notorious for extrajudicial killings, torture, extortion, illegal arrests, and other human rights abuses.
This led to the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, where young Nigerians demanded the unit’s abolition. The movement culminated in the Lekki Tollgate shooting, where several protesters were allegedly killed by security forces.
Despite the disbandment of SARS, public concerns about police misconduct and human rights violations persist, fueling speculation that the unit has been secretly reinstated.
The police, however, maintain that SARS remains permanently disbanded and that any reports suggesting otherwise are false.
