Police refutes claims it is bringing back SARS

The Nigerian police has said it has no plan to bring back the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) either now or in future.

Police spokesman, CP Frank Mba made the disclosure in a statement.

Mba said the reports that the squad, disbanded at the height of the #EndSARS protests against police brutality last October, were false.

The reports claimed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the re-establishment of the defunct Special Anti – Robbery Squad (SARS).

“The Force wishes to categorially emphasize that there is no plan whatsoever to bring back the disbanded SARS. SARS is gone for good and will not resurrect under any guise whatsoever,” Mba said.

“The IGP notes that the Force has since reorganized its operational structure to fill the vacuum created by the disbandment of SARS. Currently, the leadership of the Force is focused on efforts at deepening reforms within the Police and bequeathing Nigerans a Police Force that will be more effective, efficient, technology-driven, humane and Rule of Law-compliant.

“The IGP therefore calls on members of the public to disregard the report which is absolutely false and deliberately intended to disinform and misinform members of the public.”