Police debunk SARS return to Lagos

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked claims that operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) are back on the streets of Lagos.

SARS was disbanded following the #EndSARS protests of October 2020 by youths who lamented the atrocities committed by the operatives.

However, some X users have reported sighting police operatives dressed similarly as operatives of the disbanded SARS.

One such report was brought to the attention of the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, by @ChillingFella.

He shared, “Oga Prince, are you aware that SARS is back? They came to one hotel in my area last week, and boys were arrested. Another problem dey o.”

In response, the police spokesman said he must have mistaken a police tactical squad for SARS.

Adejobi said, “What is SARS? You mean special anti robbery squad? We don’t have it again in Nigeria. Perhaps you mean tactical squads. The police can arrest anybody for investigation at any time, but they must be professional and act within the ambit of the law whenever they operate.”

He further stated that tactical squads are created by the police command in each state.