By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigerian Police has debunked claims that the proscribed Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a former unit of the force has been resuscitated, describing the report to be an absolute falsehood.
SARS, one of the numerous special units of the force which was widely accused of unlawful arrests, torture and murder in most parts of the country was dissolved on October 11, 2020, by the federal government.
In a statement issued by Police spokesperson, CP Frank Mba today, Thursday, October 7, 2021, the police categorically emphasised that there is no plan whatsoever to bring back the disbanded SARS.
The statement read in part: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a false news report making the rounds online and offline suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, FDC has ordered the re-establishment of the defunct Special Anti – Robbery Squad (SARS).
“The Force wishes to categorically 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.
“The IGP notes that the Force has since reorganized its operational structure to fill the vacuum created by the disbandment of SARS.”
Mba said that the leadership of the Force is focused on efforts at deepening reforms within the Police and bequeathing Nigerians a Police Force that will be more effective, efficient, technology-driven, humane and Rule of Law-compliant.
He quoted IGP Baba as saying that members of the public should disregard the report which is absolutely false and deliberately intended to disinform and misinform members of the public.
SARS was disbanded in 2020 following a nationwide protest promoted on tweeter using the #ENDSARS hashtag.
The protests which centred on alleged human rights violations by some police officers said to be attached to the disbanded SARS, resulted in looting, arson and destruction of public and private property