‘Secretly Reinstated???’ Police Reaffirm SARS Disbandment, Dismiss Claims of Its Return

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied reports that the notorious special anti-robbery squad (SARS) has made a return to the streets.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, NPF spokesperson, noted that SARS remains dissolved and disbanded.

He stressed that SARS was scrapped in 2020 and has not been reinstated under any guise. He cautioned against misinformation that could stir public unrest.

Recently, a viral social media post claimed that SARS has been reformed with personnel handed new rules of engagement.

The post lists the purported rules of engagement to include non-interference in civil matters and cybercrimes.

Adejobi asked the public to treat the post with caution and always verify information from the force’s official social media handles.

“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.”

However, concerns about the conduct of police officers and reports of human rights violations have heightened suspicions that police authorities may have secretly reinstated SARS.

EndSARS

Recall that in October 2020, nationwide protests erupted across Nigeria under the #EndSARS movement, with citizens demanding an end to police brutality and extrajudicial killings. The demonstrations, which culminated in the controversial Lekki Toll Gate shooting, led to the federal government disbanding SARS and promising police reforms.

In remembrance of those who lost their lives during the protests, the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance movement in Lagos have scheduled a memorial procession at the Lekki Toll Gate on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

A statement jointly signed by Hassan Soweto, Osugba Blessing, and Oloye Adegboyega-Adeniji revealed that the event would include a peaceful march, prayers, and a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the fallen protesters.

Despite the disbandment of SARS, the activists argue that police brutality remains a pressing issue, calling for deeper reforms in law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the police have assured the public of their commitment to human rights and urged citizens to report any cases of misconduct by officers.