The Story Behind #EndSars: The Nigerian Protests

The slogan #EndSars has been around since 2017, when Twitter was used to begin a conversation about the disbanding of the notorious police unit, known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The movement experienced a revitalisation this year when on October 7th a video was circulated on social media showing the killing of a young man by an alleged SARS Officer. Following these revelations, mass demonstrations took place across Nigeria, accompanied by outrage across all social media platforms.

Claims of police brutality, extortion, harassment, torture and murder have been made for years against the unit however, recent demonstrations have morphed into calls for better governance and an improvement of the poor economic conditions. The protests have a

noticeable demographic, consisting almost entirely of young Nigerians. The #EndSars movement calls for more than just de-establishing the SARS Unit but also illustrates a watershed moment in Nigerian history to demand accountability and action from their Government.

The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, bowed to the protesters demands, disbanding SARS on October 11th, ordering investigations into the accusations made against them. Muhammed Adamu, Inspector General of the Police said the Unit will be abolished with "immediate effect", a decision made "in response to the yearnings of the Nigerian people." Nevertheless, demonstrators pledged to keep up their campaign, seeking justice for victims of police brutality and an overhaul of security, apparatus and police techniques, with

protests intensifying over the following days.

On October 20th, the Nigerian people staged a peaceful protest at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, the most populous city of the African continent. The demonstration aimed to inhibit traffic flowing through the toll in order to bring attention to their cause. According to witnesses, all lights and advertisement billboard were switched-off prior to a group of soldiers arriving. Social media saw a message spread that all protesters would be safe provided they sang the national anthem and waved the Nigerian flag.

As protesters sat down and locked arms, singing the national anthem, draped in the Nigerian flag, 20 armed military personnel open fired. Disturbing videos shared over social media show the aftermath, the country's flag being used to stem bleeding of injured

demonstrators. Amnesty International confirms that at least 12 people were killed however, with many still yet to return home, it is expected that the total will only rise.

Hours after the massacre, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, visited the injured victims in the hospital, attributing the killings to "forces beyond our direct control." In a statement made on October 22nd, the President called for calm, claiming he would promote police reforms however, failed to acknowledge the Lekki toll gate murders. The Nigerian Military denied any responsibility for the shooting, claiming the media reports were "fake news."

These shootings clearly amount to extrajudicial executions, to stem the conversation about the Nigerian government's poor governance and disregard for the rights and welfare for its population at large. Their actions illustrate an unfair dynamic, with the authorities? power and jurisdiction is placed against the civilian population, simply trying to fight injustice, and create a Nigeria that is a haven for all, not just a few.