The Nigeria Police has denied that the disbanded notorious Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) has been reinstated under “a reformed set of rules.”
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the Police Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police high command urged the public to discountenance the rumours making the round that SARS has be returned stating that the rumour was mere a “misinformation.”
The statement reads:
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“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to debunk circulating rumors and misinformation speculating the return of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with a reformed set of rules. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad which was disbanded on the 11th of October 2020, remains dissolved.
“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.
“To ensure receiving accurate and reliable updates, citizens are advised to follow the official handles of the Nigeria Police Force on social media viz @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram. Your safety and awareness are paramount; stay informed and vigilant.”
SARS, a band of police squad that terrorised most Nigerian cities with sordid records of torture and extra-judicial killings unwittingly inspired young Nigerians to revolt in 2020 through the umbrella of #EndSARS Protest that rocked the country to its foundations.
Though the Police disbanded the squad and replaced the unit the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), many Nigerians still believe that it was just a case of and “old wine in a new bottle.”