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Source: thewhistler.ng
By Emily Sulkey, GSP Blog Team Contributor
December 7, 2020
In the midst of the civil unrest and protests against police brutality across the United States, a similar situation is brewing in Nigeria. The country’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, is a police force unit created in 1992 that manages crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and motor vehicle theft. SARS has been a topic of controversy as far back as 1996 when two Lagos security guards were arrested for robbery and suspected to have been killed in secret. This was the first of many incidents related to the unit that would cause outrage and a drive for reformation.
Though it was started years ago, the #EndSARS campaign saw a surge in support this past October after numerous violent videos were released on social media. Several events caught worldwide attention, notably on October 3rd when a video was released showing a SARS officer shooting a young man in front of a hotel, and police officers allegedly stole the man’s vehicle. Two days later, an up-and-coming 20-year-old musician was killed in his neighborhood. Additionally, one night in October, soldiers reportedly opened fire on a peaceful demonstration in the capital city of Lagos. Similar instances occurred for the duration of the month, prompting protests around the world.
The founders of the #EndSARS movement drew much inspiration from America’s recent Black Lives Matter protests, particularly the ones that successfully forced local governments to defund their police departments. This movement has caught the attention of many celebrities including Cardi B, Rihanna, Kanye West, and John Boyega. President-elect Joe Biden commented on the movement, stating, “The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy.”
The response by Nigeria’s government did not accomplish what the protesters had been hoping for. On October 20th, the bank accounts of several notable members of #EndSARS were frozen without explanation. Also, the Inspector-General of Nigeria Police banned several of Nigeria’s largest tactical units from mounting roadblocks as well as stop-and-search checkpoints. The protesters ultimately hope for total disbandment of the SARS unit, as this was the fourth time that the government had enacted this type of ban.
As of December 2020, much of the unrest within Nigeria has subsided. Currently, it seems that another bout of #EndSARS protests would be overall detrimental, according to Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi state. “Nigeria’s earning and foreign exchange situation is too fragile as we speak to resist sustained shocks. Another nationwide protest will worsen the multidimensional poverty indices all over our country and work greater hardship on the ordinary Nigerians we claim to be advocating for,” he said.
So, what can you do to help out from home? Using the hashtags #EndSARSProtests, #EndSARSImmediately, #LagosProtests, and more are great ways to spread the word. It would also be beneficial to stay informed. Below are links to some great resources that detail SARS-related history and recent events, as well as offering ways to help.
https://www.zikoko.com/citizen/cant-join-the-endsars-protests-heres-how-you-can-help-from-home/
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