Nigeria Police Denies Return of Disbanded SARS Unit
posted 9th February 2025
Nigeria Police Force Denies Return of Disbanded SARS Unit, Urges Public Vigilance Against Misinformation
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a formal statement via its official social media channels to refute rumours suggesting the reinstatement of the controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the force emphasised that SARS, disbanded on 11th October 2020, “remains dissolved” and is not operational under any reformed framework.
The clarification comes amid circulating claims online speculating the revival of the unit with revised rules of engagement. The police described such information as “misinformation” and urged Nigerians to treat it with caution. Authorities advised the public to verify sources before accepting content as factual, stressing the importance of relying on official communications.
“The recent information regarding SARS reformation and rules of engagement should be treated with caution,” the statement read. Citizens were directed to follow verified social media accounts of the Nigeria Police Force, including @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram, for accurate updates.
SARS, a divisive police unit accused of human rights abuses, was disbanded in 2020 following widespread protests under the #EndSARS movement. While the force has since introduced new tactical units, such as the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, it reiterated that SARS itself “is not back in operation”.
The statement concluded with a call for public vigilance: “Your safety and awareness are paramount; stay informed and vigilant.”
