The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted claims suggesting the return of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) under a new set of operational guidelines.
In a statement released on Monday February 10, 2025, the NPF spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, labeled these reports as false and misleading.
“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,” Adejobi stated.
He reaffirmed that SARS, which was officially disbanded on October 11, 2020, remains dissolved and is not being reinstated in any form.
Adejobi urged the public to be cautious when consuming information regarding the alleged reformation of SARS, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources before accepting such claims as factual.
“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,” he advised.
SARS was established in 1992 to combat crimes such as armed robbery, vehicle theft, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and illegal possession of firearms.
However, the unit later gained notoriety for severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, extortion, torture, false imprisonment, blackmail, and rape. There were also accusations of the unit’s involvement in armed robbery, illegal organ trade, and home invasions. These widespread abuses led to mass protests against the unit.
On October 11, 2020, amid national outrage, the then Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, officially announced the dissolution of SARS.
That same month, Nigerian youths launched the historic hashtag ‘EndSARS’ movement, taking to the streets to demand police reform and an end to police brutality. The protests culminated in the tragic events at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, where security forces allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters waving the national flag. The incident sparked further outrage and international condemnation.
Despite the official disbandment of SARS, concerns about police misconduct and human rights violations persist. Some Nigerians suspect that elements of the disbanded unit may have been quietly reintegrated into other police formations under different names.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to urge citizens to rely on verified sources for information and to remain vigilant against misinformation regarding any revival of SARS.
