Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims that the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has reemerged on the streets.
Gatekeepers News reports that Muyiwa Adejobi, the force’s spokesperson, reaffirmed that squad has been fully dissolved and disbanded.
This decision to disband SARS was made on October 11, 2020, by then Inspector-General of Police Adamu Mohammed, in response to widespread national protests against police brutality. The protests, which took place across Nigeria, called for an end to the practices of SARS, which had a reputation for human rights violations, including extortion, torture of suspects, and extra-judicial killings.
Recently, a viral social media post suggested that SARS had been reformed, claiming that personnel were given new rules of engagement. These purported rules included stipulations against interfering in civil matters and addressing cybercrimes.
In light of the speculations, Adejobi urged the public to exercise caution regarding such posts and to verify any information through the official social media channels of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Special Anti-Robbery Squad which was disbanded on the 11th of October 2020, remains dissolved,” Adejobi said.
“The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is not back in operation.
“The recent information regarding SARS reformation and rules of engagement should be treated with caution. Nigerians are encouraged to verify the source of any information before accepting it as true.”
