End Special Anti-Robbery Squad (End SARS) or #EndSARS is a decentralized social movement against police brutality in Nigeria. The slogan calls for an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a controversial unit of the Nigerian Police with an intense long record of abuses.[5][6] The protests started in 2017 as a Twitter campaign using the hashtag #ENDSARS to demand the Nigerian government eliminate the force.[7][8][9] After experiencing a revitalization in October 2020, mass demonstrations were occurring throughout Nigeria in major cities, and the hashtag had 28 million tweets.[10] Nigerians have shared both stories and video evidence of how members of SARS engaged in kidnapping, murder, theft, rape, torture, unlawful arrests, humiliation, unlawful detention, extrajudicial killings, and extortion in Nigeria.[11] SARS officers have been alleged to profile youths based on fashion choices, mount illegal road blocks and searches, conduct unwarranted temperature checks, arrest without warrant, rape women, and extort young Nigerians for driving exotic vehicles and using Laptops and iPhones.[12]
Within a few days of renewed protests, some claimed victory as the Nigerian Police Force announced it was dissolving SARS on Sunday, 11 October 2020.[13] However, many noted similar promises had been made in recent years, and that the government planned to reassign and review SARS officers to medical centres rather than remove them entirely.[14] Protests have continued accordingly, and the Nigerian state has maintained a pattern of violent repression, including the killing of demonstrators.[15] There have been international demonstrations in solidarity with those happening in the country, and the scope of the movement has also grown increasingly critical of the Muhammadu Buhari-fronted Nigerian state and society as a wholeThe Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was a branch of the Nigeria Police Force under the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID). The Police Department was founded in 1992.[17] The squad was created as a facemask wearing police unit that performs undercover operations against crimes associated with armed robbery, car snatching, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and crimes associated with firearms.[18]
SARS had been accused of several human rights violations, failure to socially distance, illegal "stop and searches", illegal arrests and detentions, extrajudicial killings, sexual harassment of women and brutalizing many young Nigerians. The human rights abuses were documented in trending videos on social media.[19]
In 2017, Segun Awosanya convener of the #EndSARS movement on Twitter with other activist and celebrities across Nigeria took to the streets in a peaceful protest to spread awareness of SARS brutality and extortions.[20][21][22]
According to Amnesty International's 2016 report, SARS is indicted and responsible for human abuse, cruelty, degrading treatment of Nigerians in their custody, and other widespread torture. Some of the human rights abuses by SARS include the shooting of their detainees in the leg, mock or threats of execution, hanging and severe beating.[23] A 2020 publication by the organization indicated that between January 2017 and May 2020, they had documented 82 cases of abuses and extra judicial killings by SARS.[24]..
Initial protests and reaction
Amnesty International accused the SARS officials of regularly detaining young Nigerians illegally and extorting money from their relatives.[7] In 2017, a petition signed by 10,195 people was submitted to Nigeria's National Assembly calling for a total disbandment of SARS.[25] A few Senators backed the call for total disbandment of the unit.[26] Consideration was given to reforming the force, rather than full disbandment due to the number of cases falling.[27][28]
The campaigners moved from social media using the #EndSARS hashtag to organized, peaceful protests in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Osun, Benin, Ughelli, Warri, Ilorin, Ogbomosho, Owerri, Jos, Kaduna [29][21] and other Nigerian cities and states, promising to continue if the government refused to disband the force.[30][31][32]
In response to the campaign, Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer Jimoh Moshood, accused the campaigners of being "criminals".[33] Despite this, Inspector General of Nigeria Police Force Ibrahim K. Idris ordered the reform and reorganization of SARS.[34]
October 2020 second wave
On Saturday 3 October 2020, a video started trending on social media showing a SARS police officer shoot a young Nigerian in front of Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State. It was alleged that the police officers took away the young man's vehicle – a Lexus SUV.[35] The trending video caused public outcry on social media, especially on Twitter, with the #ENDSARS hashtag attending.[36]
Just as the ENDSARS trend began on Twitter, on Monday 5 October 2020, another report of SARS officer killing a 20-year-old upcoming musician named Chibuike Anams popularly called Sleek in his neighbourhood.[citation needed] Sleek was said to be sitting in front of a hotel with a friend when the Hilux of the SARS men approached them, they immediately took to their heels.[citation needed] They were double crossed by the SARS men and Sleek was shot 4 times and he died on the spot. His friend was arrested.[citation needed]
On Thursday 8 October 2020, nation-wide protests on ENDSARS started after weeks of outcry and anger with videos and pictures showing police brutality, harassment and extortion in Nigeria. The protests were led predominantly by young Nigerians in different cities alongside many activists and celebrities.[37] Nigeria Police Force disrupted the protests in some cities, throwing teargas, using water cannons and shooting at unarmed peaceful protesters as seen in Abuja and Osun,[38] this led to the death of Jimoh Isiaq in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.[39][12][40][41][42] By Wednesday, 14 October 2020, the End SARS protests were still ongoing with young people in different parts of Nigeria intensifying their calls for reforms and accountability in police operations.[43]
Five demands
On Sunday, 11 October 2020, the protestors put up five demands to be met by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The demands which were signed by 'A Nigerian Youth' asks for immediate release of all arrested during the protests as well as justice and compensation for all who died through police brutality in Nigeria. They also demanded that an independent body be set up within 10 days to investigate and prosecute all reports of police misconduct. The protestors also asked for psychological evaluation and retraining of SARS operatives before they are deployed to any other police unit. Lastly, they asked for adequate remuneration for Nigerian police.[44]
Nigerian Government response
In response to the public outcry on the police brutality, the Inspector-General of Nigeria Police banned the FSARS, Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism Squad and other tactical units from mounting of roadblocks, checkpoints, stop and search and other routine and patrols. Similar bans had been announced multiple times over the previous four years, causing citizens of Nigeria to question whether the bans would actually be upheld. There were further reports of SARS officers involved in killings across the country.[45]
As this was the fourth time that the Nigerian government called for a ban on SARS activity,[46] protesters insisted on scrapping the notorious police unit.[47]
Timeline of events
October 8
Nigerian youths protested on EndSARS at the Lagos State Governor's House on Thursday 8 October and slept at the gate of the government house till Friday 9 October 2020 when the Deputy Governor addressed the protesters.[48] Among the Lagos State EndSARS Protesters were celebrities Falz, Runtown, Don Jazzy, Olu Jacobs, Eedris Abdulkareem and a host of others including several comedians and other media personalities.[49]
October 9
On Friday, 9 October 2020, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat addressed the protesters and acknowledged that police officers do not have the right to trample on the rights of law-abiding citizens based on their appearance or on items in their possession. He condemned police brutality and promised that the Lagos government will take action necessary to end it.[50][51] The deputy governor also stated that four years previously, he had been harassed by SARS police who were not in uniform.[52][53]
The Lagos State House of Assembly held an emergency parliamentary sitting to deliberate the petition of the EndSARS protesters. The parliamentarians made a seven-point resolution, as follows: Nigeria's Senate and House of Assembly should probe FSARS, the Police Commissioner should protect protesters, molestation of youths should be stopped, institution of public inquiry on the extrajudicial killings by Senate President and the House of Representatives Speaker, proscription of SARS and its replacement by a new unit with a clear code of conduct, and sanction of illegalities.[54]
Nigerian youths protested on EndSARS,[55] at the headquarters of Nigeria Police Force in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and vow to camp at headquarters till Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, addresses them.[56]
October 10
While the protest continued on Saturday 10 October 2020, the Nigerian police started dispersing the youths with tear gas and water. The co-convener of Bring Back Our Girls, Aisha Yesufu, and other protesters were reportedly manhandled by the Nigerian police.[57]
The EndSARS protest in Ogbomosho, Oyo State turned violent as Nigerian police were alleged to have injured seven protesters and shot dead a young man known as Jimoh Isiaka during the protest, Traditional Rulers used the Nigerian Police to forcefully send back protesters. Jimoh Isiaka was taken to Bowen University Teaching Hospital for medical care and later died at the hospital. In response to the death of the protesters, the commissioner of police of Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, denied the allegation that the police killed the protester. He said that the police used tear gas to prevent protesters from attacking and entering the police station. The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde sent a condolence message on the demise of the protester and promised to investigate the incident.[58][59]
October 11
On Sunday, 11 October 2020, Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu announced the "dissolution" of SARS. Many Nigerians within the movement criticized the announcement, however, pointing out that similar promises had been made in earlier years and that the government's plan was to reassign SARS officers to other police departments rather than eliminate them from the force entirely.[14] The protests continue despite the "dissolution" as many do not believe the pronouncement.[60]
David Adeleke, a popular musician known as Davido joined a group of #EndSARS protesters in Abuja to call for the end police brutality and the notorious police unit in the city. The police started dispersing the protesters with tear gas, live bullets and water cannons.[61]
Three more protestors were shot dead in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, following a killing the day before.[62]
October 12
On Monday, 12 October 2020, the Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, urged protestors to believe that SARS has been disbanded.[63] On Monday, 12 October, 2020 the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike announced that the End SARS protests are disallowed in Rivers State. He banned all forms of protests in Rivers State.[64] On Monday, 12 October 2020, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde barred Police from engaging with the protestors in order to avert further casualties from the pandemic.[65]
A bystander watching the protest was shot dead by members of the Nigeria Police Force in Surulere while leaving 4 injured and they also arrested and detained peaceful Protesters.[15] The protests in Lagos at Lekki-Epe Expressway toll gate, Murtala Mohammed International airport toll gate, Alausa, Ikorodu Road and Yaba caused heavy traffic gridlock and crippled businesses as young people continued to demand #EndSARS #SARSMustEnd.[66][67]
Protests continued in Abuja as young people continued to march against police harassment, brutality and extortion. They blocked the Berger roundabout to draw attention to their demands. Earlier on in the day, the protestors had been challenged by Pro-SARS sympathizers who were marching in support of the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu and the Nigerian President Muhammed Buhari under the aegis of Citizens Action for Good Governance.[68]
Protesters in Oyo State with placards calling for the disbandment of SARS, an end to Police brutality extortion and extrajudicial killing demonstrated in front of University of Ibadan and Iwo Road in Ibadan.[69] The protests locked down Iwo Road making vehicular movement to be at a standstill.[70]
October 13
On Tuesday, 13 October 2020, Ifeanyi Okowa the Governor of Delta State said that the #EndSARS protest is a result of failed leadership. The Governor also announced the constitution of a five-member Police Complaints Committee with two representatives from youth organizations.[71] The Governor had earlier appealed to the police to desist from harassing the protesters as people were free to express grievances in a democratic dispensation.[72] On Tuesday, 13 October 2020, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force, Frank Mba, announced the setting up of a Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) to replace SARS. The new outfit, which is expected to take off within the next 7 days, will undergo psychological and medical evaluation to determine their fitness.[55]
People took the protests to the National Assembly. Moving from Banex junction Abuja, the protesters peacefully marched to the junction leading to the National Assembly around 2 p.m. where they were stopped by soldiers who violently resisted their movement and injured some protesters in the process.[73] ARISE TV news crew who were recording the fracas at the entry of the National Assembly were attacked. Ferdinard Duruoha was one of the crew members who were assaulted while Francis Ogbonna a cameraman with the same news outfit was attacked the previous day while covering the announcement of dissolution of SARS by the Inspector General of Police.[74]
The Governor of Lagos State promised to set up a two hundred million naira (N200m) fund for residents of the State who have been victims of police brutality.[75] He met with President Muhammadu Buhari to present the demands of the protesters in Lagos State.[citation needed] A video surfaced from this meeting showing the President chuckle as the Governor Sanwo-Olu talked about his state's compensation fund for victims. The President's actions met a lot of negative criticism from Nigerians.[citation needed]
A press release signed by Femi Adesina the Presidential spokesperson, indicate that the Nigerian Government has agreed to the five demands of the End SARS protestors. The agreement was reached at a meeting organized by the Office of the Inspector General of Police and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was attended by stakeholders which include officials of Ministry of Police Affairs and Police Service Commission, representatives of Civil Society organizations and activists from the entertainment industry and #EndSARS movement.[76][77]
The protests continued in Lagos. Young people carrying placards denouncing SARS and appealing for an end to police harassment, extortion and brutality blocked the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.[78]
October 14
On Wednesday, 14 October 2020, protesters in Lagos were attacked with cutlasses, sticks and charms.[79] In Abuja, protesters were attacked by people with cutlasses and cudgels at Berger roundabout. Cars were destroyed and some of the protestors were injured.[80][81]
October 15
On Thursday, 15 October 2020, the prohibition of demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory Security Committee was announced. The decision was taken at a meeting which held on Wednesday, 14 October 2020 and which was chaired by FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello. The announcement recognized the rights of citizens to gather and demonstrate however, it went on to point out that the EndSARS protests were unruly, caused discomfort to people, violated COVID-19 protocols and should be discontinued in view of the fact that Government had met the demands of the protesters.[82] Nigerians thought this absurd since there had been elections in Ondo and Edo along with massive rallies in preceding weeks.[83] Buhari's daughter had also had her wedding ceremony.[84] At the peak of the pandemic, Abba Kyari, late Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, was buried without adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.[85]
People conveyed by Lagos state buses attacked protesters near the state secretariat in Alausa.[86]
October 16
On Friday, 16 October 2020, the hacktivist group, Anonymous (group) hacked the Twitter account of the National Broadcasting Commission and posted a message which stated "We #Anonymous will continue supporting Nigerians" in a support for the ongoing protests.[87]
Thousands of protesters gathered at the Lekki toll gate and Alausa, Ikeja to hold a candlelight session for the various victims of SARS/police killings.[88][89]
A day after the FCTA banned protests across the Capital territory amidst fear of a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak due to the protests,[90] youths protesting against Police brutality and abuses moved their protest from City gate to airport road where they obstructed both incoming and outgoing commuters thereby causing a gridlock leaving thousands stranded.[91]
October 20
Following violent escalations which included attacks by agitators against protesters and police, the governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declared a state-wide 24-hour curfew[92] effective 4:00 PM WAT on October 20. During this time, images of some persons alleged to be working with the Lagos State government and the Lekki Concession Company removing the CCTV Cameras at the toll gate circulated on End SARS on Twitter and street lights at the toll gate vicinity were turned off. A few hours later, it was reported that armed men of the Nigerian Army arrived to the scene of the protest and opened fire on peaceful and unarmed protesters, killing about 20 people. At least 50 other people were injured. Despite video evidence to the contrary, the Lagos State government reported that the shooting resulted in up to 25 injured, and only 1 dead. Despite the fact that the curfew was extended till 9:00 PM, soldiers of the Nigerian Army started shooting before 9:00 PM and killed many.[93][94][95][96][97][98]
October 21
Following the killings on October 20, video evidence showed that more shootings were still being carried out by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police on the unarmed protesters. Some people also attacked and burnt buildings, vehicles, TV stations and raided the Oba of Lagos' palace.[99] The governor of Lagos had said that there were no casualties from the incident of the previous day but later tweeted that there had been reports of one casualty which negated the report sent in by various Twitter and Instagram users who had live recordings of the killings. While the protesters gathered again at the Lekki toll gate where the shooting took place on Tuesday the 20th of October, they were forced out by police [99]. While the protesters defied the curfew imposed by the Lagos state Governor, hoodlums burnt about 30 government buses at a bus station. Also burnt was Television Continental Station (TVC) linked to a former governor of the state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) [100][101].
Nigerian Protests by State
Delta State
On Saturday, 10 October 2020, the #EndSARS protest started from the Ekiugbo section of Ughelli, Delta State, went through the Ughelli Market, Ughelli Area Command and Isoko Road. The protests led to traffic gridlocks at the Ughelli -Patani section of the East-West Road. However, at Otovwodo Junction, fracas ensued as the peaceful protest assumed another dimension when hoodlums, motorcycle riders and others joined the youths to protest police brutality, harassment, extortion and extrajudicial killings. A police man, Corporal Etaga Stanley of 'A' Division, Ughelli was disarmed, killed and his weapon and ammunition taken.[102][103]
On Wednesday, 14 October 2020, young people in Effurun and Warri, Delta State protested against police brutality and misconduct.[104]
Anambra State
On Saturday, 10 October 2020, hundreds of young people gathered at Ekwueme Square, Awka in the morning and peacefully matched past the Eke Awka market, and through the major streets of the town with placards asking for an end to police brutality and that SARS be disbanded.[105] SARS Awkuzu which is well known for human rights abuses is located in Anambra State.[106] The protests continued in Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State on Monday, 12 October, with young people demanding that SARS be completely disbanded.[107]
Protests continued in Awka on Wednesday, 14 October 2020 with protesters demanding for a total reform of the Nigerian Police Force.[108]
On Friday, 16 October 2020, #EndSARS protesters including popular musicians and Anambra indigenes Phyno, Flavour, KCee, MasterKraft, marched from Awka, the state capital to Awkuzu town, where the dreaded SARS unit[109] is situated, calling for the total shutdown of the office.[110] The peaceful protesters were shot at by the officers of the supposedly dissolved SARS.[111][112]
Abia State
A similar protest was held simultaneously in Umuahia, capital of Abia State, by other youths in the state. They visited the police headquarters on Bende Road and Abịa State House of Assembly as well as the Abia Government House.[113]
In Aba, the state's commercial nerve centre, youths took to the streets protesting police brutality on citizens.[114]
In a statement on his Twitter handle, the governor said: "I have taken note of the peaceful protests tagged #EndSARS and wish to assure Abịa youth and the general public that we will take up their concerns and ensure that your voices are heard at the right quarters."[115][116]
Osun State
On Monday, 12 October 2020, protesters in Osogbo, Osun State took to the streets of the capital town to protest against SARS with placards demanding that the squad be disbanded. The protests which took off from Olaiya junction and moved to the State House of Assembly caused traffic disruptions at the gate of government house, Osogbo as the protesters demanded that the Governor address them.[117][118]
Rivers State
Aggrieved Nigerians in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday 13 2020, took to the streets of Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, to protest against police brutality in defiance to the directive of the State Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike who had earlier issued a statement to the general public that all forms of protests have been banned throughout the State. The state governor, having observed this defiance by the protesters, joined them in solidarity, citing how Rivers State citizens had suffered so much police brutality carried out by members of SARS.[119][120]
Ogun State
Fifteen #EndSARS protestors were arrested in Ogun State.[121] While others were released, three of the protesters; Adeniji Sodiq, Mutairu Faruq and Olatoye Joseph, who were arrested at the palace of the king of Owu on Friday, 9 October, 2020 were charged for murder by the Police. After review of all evidence and as recommended by the Ogun State Attorney General, the Governor, Dapo Abiodun gave orders for their release as the charges against the protesters were withdrawn.[122] At Akute/Ajuwon/Agbole axis, Ogun State, Femi Kuti an Afrobeat musician, the son of late music icon Fela Kuti joined the protests and helped to stop many protesters from being arrested[123]
Enugu State
On Tuesday, 13 October 2020, hundreds of protesters from different parts of Enugu State with placards denouncing and asking for the end to SARS, police brutality, extortion and harassment converged and moved from Okpara Square, Enugu to the Criminal Investigation Department where they submitted the five demands of the EndSARS protests. They were joined by musicians, Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli known as Flavour, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, popularly known as Phyno and Zoro, a rapper. The protestors were joined at a point by the Deputy Governor of the State, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo.[124][125]
Ebonyi State
On Tuesday, 13 October 2020, hundreds of protesters in Abakiliki, capital of Ebonyi State took to the streets with placards demanding an end to police brutality and prosecution of policemen who are guilty of crimes.[126]
Edo State
The #EndSARS protest in Benin City turned violent on Friday, 16 October 2020 as the protesters that gathered at the Edo State House of Assembly got attacked with stones and bullets by suspected thug who claimed that the protesters disturbed their daily businesses. Two protesters were killed and many were injured in the attack.[127]
The protesters, in retaliation, took the fight back to where the thugs converged at the museum ground in King's Square (Ring Road) where they engaged in a brawl. The activities of the protesters left the Ring Road deserted due to fear of possible escalation of violence as motorists sought for alternative routes to their destination.[128]
The Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, condemned the attack on the #EndSARS protesters in Benin City by unidentified hoodlums. He stated that a thorough investigation would be effected immediately to bring the culprits to justice.[129] In a statement, the governor commissioned the Edo State police command to come out fully and provide appropriate security to the protesters, as they were exercising their rights as concerned citizens of Nigeria.[129]
According to him, “I have just learnt that hoodlums have attacked #EndSARS protesters, who have conducted themselves peacefully in Benin City. I extend condolences to the victims of the attacks, including those who lost their lives and others who were injured by the thugs. It is disheartening that anyone would attack a peaceful assembly of young people who are expressing genuine concerns over police brutality and intimidation in their own country. I hereby call on the Edo State Police Command to get out on the streets and provide adequate security for the protesters and ensure that no one is harassed in the course of exercising their rights.”[130]
On the 19th day of October 2020, news broke that hoodlums had stormed the correctional center in Edo state to free jailed inmates as part of the End SARS movement demands.[131][132] This was however debunked by the protesters themselves who had earlier made moves to suspend the protests in the state due to the many unscrupulous elements who had been using the opportunity to perpetrate nefarious activities.
Plateau State
Jos, the capital of Plateau State saw youths in their number storm the city centre demanding the disbandment of the newly created Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) police unit by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu.[citation needed]
The protesters called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to overhaul the entire Nigerian Police Force.[citation needed]
Displaying placards with various inscriptions such as #EndSARS; #EndSWAT; "We don’t want SWAT"; "There’s no difference between SWAT and SARS"; "We want complete and total overhaul of all security apparatus in the country", the youths stormed the Plateau State House of Assembly, The Plateau State Government House and other major streets in the city, calling on the state and federal government and the Nigerian Police Force to take action over the spate of extrajudicial killings by the operatives of the Nigerian Police. Placing it in context of the state, they called on the government to look into the general issues of insecurity in Plateau State among other neighboring states.[133]
October 20
On Tuesday October 20, 2020, while protest was going on, thugs hauled the Jos city biggest market, Terminus, where they burn cars. hauled shops and attacked unarmed #EndSARS protesters.[134][135]
Voluntary donations to #EndSARS October resurgence
The ongoing #EndSARS protests have been sustained by voluntary donations made by Nigerian citizens and the international community. The collection of donations has remained decentralized in order to mitigate the impact of the (often violent) government attempts to antagonize citizens as they exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully throughout the country.[136] Donations also came from tech start-ups whose workers are constantly harassed by SARS and profiled as fraudsters because of laptops found in their vehicles[137][138]
International protests
International demonstrations were organized by the Nigerian diaspora in Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and elsewhere in Africa.[139][140][141] Many Nigerian and Nigerian diaspora celebrities gave supportive statements on social media and took part in protests, while demonstrators pledged to continue until the demands were met.[142][143][144]
Canada
On Monday, 12 October 2020, Nigerians living in the Waterloo Region of Ontario organised a peaceful demonstration in support of the #EndSARs movement. The group gathered in the Waterloo Public Square chanting "What do we want? End SARS".[145]
Ireland
Dublin
On Sunday, 11 October 2020, Nigerians in Dublin gathered in front of the Nigerian Embassy to show solidarity with the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. They denounced police brutality and SARS.[146]
United Kingdom
London
On Sunday 11 October 2020, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, a Nigerian singer known as Wizkid, Kelechi AFTV, Dr Dipo Awojide and many other Nigerians led a protest in support of the EndSARS protest at the Nigeria High Commission, Thai Square, London. It has been reported that Wizkid has called out the Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari on Twitter over his silence on scrapping the notorious police unit.[147]
Manchester
On Saturday 17 October 2020, Nigerians and other supporters organised a peaceful demonstration in Moston, Manchester, UK, in support of the #EndSARs movement.[148]
United States
New York
On Sunday, 11 October 2020, young Nigerians in New York converged at the Nigerian Consulate General in Midtown to protest against SARS. They shared their experiences with SARS while in Nigeria and asked that the outfit be totally disbanded so that young people can move freely without being profiled as criminals because of their dressing, accent or the type of vehicle they use.[149]
Michigan
On Sunday, 18 October 2020, Nigerians and other supporters organized a peaceful demonstration at Southfield in support of the #EndSARs movement.[150]
Social media
On 9 October 2020, the #EndSARS hashtag trended globally on social media. EndSARS protests, which started 8 October 2020, are still ongoing in major cities across the country and have attracted international mainstream media attention. The campaign has witnessed reactions on social media from international celebrities such as Cardi B, Rihanna, Trey Songz, Big Sean, Jidenna, John Boyega, Kanye West, Drake, Diddy, Lewis Hamilton among others including footballers, Marcus Rashford, Odion Ighalo and Mesut Ozil.[151][152][153][154][155][156]
With the news that SARS had been banned, Nigerians took the news with a grain of salt and focused more on their demands. The hashtag on social media then changed from #EndSARS to #SARSMustEnd! With the forming of a new unit Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) to replace SARS, the hashtag for the protests quickly changed to #EndSWAT on Twitter.[157] and has started to trend.[158]
On Thursday, 15 October 2020, Google made a statement on Twitter in support of the End SARS protests as they condemned police intimidation, oppression and brutality.[159]
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