The Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, Emeka Nwonyi, has refuted claims that the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is still operating within the state.
Governor Siminialayi Fubara recently stated that certain police officers in the state were using the SARS identity to harass innocent citizens.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, CP Nwonyi stated that he has instructed the Commissioner of Police, Monitoring Unit, and the Commissioner of Police X-Squad to investigate and closely monitor the activities of police personnel in the state.
He also urged the public to disregard such reports circulating on social media.
The Commissioner of Police encouraged citizens to report any misconduct by police officers and assured them that swift action would be taken.
Nwonyi stated, “I want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of the public that the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to social media reports of the operation of a Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the state.
“It does not exist. It only exists in the minds and imaginations of those who think they can achieve any purpose by virtue of blackmail.
“Since the Inspector General of Police announced the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force, the team was disbanded.
“In line with the directives, the units were redeployed to other police formations. There is currently no team by the name, Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Rivers State. And there will never be.”
Nwonyi additionally advised individuals responsible for the social media post to stop engaging in what he referred to as ‘blackmail’ for their own benefit.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that policing is not the sole responsibility of one person or group and requested the ongoing support of residents and the people of the state to accomplish even more remarkable achievements.
