SARS remains disbanded; not coming back, Nigeria Police insist

Nigeria police Force (NPF) has firmly dismissed widespread rumors suggesting the return of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The clarification came in response to circulating misinformation claiming that SARS was being reinstated with reformed operational guidelines.

In an official statement titled “Disclaimer: SARS Remains Dissolved”, released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the NPF reaffirmed that SARS, which was officially disbanded on October 11, 2020, remains permanently dissolved and is not returning to active operation.

“The Special Anti-Robbery Squad which was disbanded on the 11th of October 2020, remains dissolved,” Adejobi stated unequivocally. “The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is not back in operation.”

The police further urged the public to treat any reports regarding SARS’ reinstatement with skepticism and verify information from credible sources before accepting or sharing it.

The statement emphasized the importance of fact-checking to curb the spread of false narratives that could create unnecessary panic among citizens.

“The recent information regarding SARS reformation and rules of engagement should be treated with caution,” Adejobi added. “Nigerians are encouraged to verify the source of any information before accepting it as true.”

READ ALSO: Nigeria Police Refutes Reported Death of Officer

To ensure that Nigerians receive accurate and reliable updates, the Police advised citizens to follow the official social media handles of the Nigeria Police Force, including @PoliceNG on X (formerly Twitter), @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.

“Your safety and awareness are paramount; stay informed and vigilant,” the statement concluded.

The Nigeria Police Force’s reaffirmation is aimed at dispelling any uncertainty regarding the dissolution of SARS and reassuring the public that the unit remains permanently disbanded.

This announcement reinforces the commitment of the authorities to fostering transparency and maintaining public trust in law enforcement reforms.