Nigerian singer Rema has opened up about how the fear of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) influenced a decision he made during the filming of one of his freestyle videos.

Fear of SARS Influences Safety Decisions

The “Calm Down” hitmaker shared on social media that he had to place his Army friend in the back seat of his car during the video shoot, explaining that the decision was driven by safety concerns, as he was “on dread” at the time.

“The fear of SARS made me put my Army friend at the back seat of my car in my freestyle video because I’m on dread,” Rema revealed.

The singer’s candid admission highlights the lengths to which artists sometimes go to navigate real-world risks while creating content.

Fans React to Rema’s Revelation

Rema’s revelation resonated deeply with fans, sparking widespread discussion online about the ongoing impact of SARS and the trauma it caused many Nigerian youths, particularly creatives.

Many social media users shared their own experiences, reflecting on the lingering psychological toll of past SARS harassment.

One user, @kvngobi, commented, “The amount of PTSD the youths go through in this country.”

Another, @Seyibuzz, pointed out the significance of Rema’s statement, saying, “He’s basically saying he had to play it safe because of the SARS fear—putting his Army friend in the back just to show he’s careful, not reckless. Shows how even artists have to navigate real-life risks while creating content.”

Other users recounted their personal encounters with SARS, including @ToluwalaseHoluwabassey, who shared, “Years ago, SARS arrested my friend because he had too many photos of Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Meanwhile, @iam_boym added, “I went through severe PTSD after what I saw from their hands in PH city. It made me feel like a different person.”

Even @iam_joshoodz summed up the shared experience with, “So even they feel am.”

A Lingering Issue

Rema’s statement is a reminder of the deep impact that SARS had on countless Nigerians, particularly young people who were often unfairly targeted and harassed. As the conversation continues, many are reflecting on the trauma caused by the unit’s actions and the lasting psychological effects on victims.