The Nigerian Police Force has debunked circulating rumors about the re-establishment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). NPF refuted this claim through its official Facebook page on Monday.
Recall that Muhammad Buhari’s administration dissolved the special police force on 11 October 2020, following Nigerians’ protest against police brutality.
The Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained that contrary to the rumors being circulated about the return of SARS with reformed rules, it remains dissolved.
According to the release, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad is not back in action. The NPF advised that Nigerians should treat recent information about the unit with caution.
Adejobi further urged Nigerians to always fact-check any information concerning the NPF through its official handles on social media before accepting it to be true. Lastly, he assured Nigerians that the NPF is remains committed to their safety.
Nigerians insist SARS unit is still active
This has brought about mixed reactions from different users, with a number of them disagreeing with the position of the PRO.
A Facebook user, “Valylight English” complained that he has in several cases, tried to make inquiries about issues that may cause public unrest.
“Iam Odus”, another user questioned the sincerity of the Nigerian Police Force concerning the dissolution of SARS. The user further suggested that the PRO explore the highways in disguise.
Additionally, “Iam Odus” explained how officers he recognized from the disbanded SARS still operate as usual.
Similarly, another Facebook user, “Ijoba Ijoba” questioned why some police officers still go around not dressed in uniforms like the dissolved SARS.
