Since the beginning of October, the people of Nigeria have been campaigning and protesting to disband a police force that has been intruding upon their livelihoods with violence and surveillance: the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This police unit has been present in Nigeria for almost four decades, and it has only increased in power since its formation. The group was initially founded with the intention of fighting violent crime, including banditry and kidnapping, but now the police force has been accused of extreme profiling through aggressive targeting, especially of young Nigerian men.
Protester encouraging peace. Tobi Ishannakie. Unsplash.
Beginning in 1984, this police force has only increased its power, and the young people of Nigeria have taken to social media to spread this information. With the hashtag #ENDSARS, young Nigerians revealed the problems they face in being subject to an unchecked police force. In addition to the social media campaigns, the extent of SARS’ crimes has brought this issue to the international forefront. The people of Nigeria have made it apparent that they live in fear of this violent police force, and they refuse to be held hostage by them. Amnesty International has backed the Nigerian people’s claims against SARS of extortion, brutality and torture.
These protests come in the wake of over 80 violations of the 2017 Anti-Torture Act passed by the Nigerian government. Amnesty International did an internal study regarding these violations and found that there were little to no repercussions for the officers involved despite overwhelming physical evidence of scars, bruises and dried blood on victims’ bodies. In the same report, they found that many individuals were subject to beatings with weapons like sticks and machetes and were also denied medical care.
Nigerian private police officers. Iyinoluwa John Onaeko. Unsplash.
As mentioned, young men were most frequently subjected to discrimination and mistreatment by SARS. Amnesty International found that those most at risk of arrest, torture and extortion are between the ages of 17 and 30 with common accusations of being internet fraudsters or armed robbers. In terms of physical profiling, young men with dreadlocks, ripped jeans, tattoos, flashy cars or expensive gadgets are frequently targeted by SARS.
Masked protester among other protesters. Tobi Oshinnaike. Unsplash.
Now, as protests have continued, the protesters themselves are being targeted by police. In Edo state, police accused people "posing" as protesters of looting weapons and torching police buildings. As protests grow bigger and escalate in force, military presence has increased in protest areas and prisoners have escaped.
Although the government agreed to disband the unit and dissolved it on Oct. 11 with the intention of retraining the officers, protests have transitioned into calls for wider reforms. The Nigerian people see the government’s plan to retrain officers as a temporary solution to a greater problem. Protesters have been gaining mass support on social media as they use the hashtags #EndBadGovernance, #BetterNigeria and #FixNigeriaNow. The movement has transformed into a greater call for peace and a Nigeria that is safe for all.
Renee Richardson
is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.