The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked reports on the return of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
SARS was disbanded on October 11, 2020, following a nationwide protest against brutality and other unacceptable acts by its operatives.
Media reports emerged on social media at the weekend that the unit had been surreptitiously brought back under a reformed set of rules.
However, the NPF, in a statement released in Abuja on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, assured Nigerians that the squad remains dissolved.
Adejobi insisted that SARS was not back in operation and urged that recent information regarding its reformation and rules of engagement should be treated with caution.
The statement read: “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.”