Protests have erupted across Nigeria in response to police brutality and human rights violations from SARS, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Tensions overflowed after a series of protests fell to violence on October 20th. In protest against police brutality, Nigerians gathered outside Lagos and blocked a major highway. The Lagos state government imposed a sudden curfew before cutting CCTV footage at the toll booth. Police then shot into the crowd, killing several protesters. Violence also erupted at several other protests across the country, almost 40 Nigerians were killed that night, and dozens were injured. The Nigerian public has labeled this incident the Lekki Massacre, as the protesters were shot at the Lekki toll gate.
Although police brutality is a major focus for the protesters, abolishing and/or reforming SARS seems to take priority. SARS was formed by the Nigerian government in the 1990s to curtail violence and crime throughout the country's cities and suburbs. SARS was later included in Nigeria’s official national plan to fight violent crime. The unit began to operate with little to no accountability, as officers are not required to wear uniforms or other forms of identification. According to the Washington Post, “Victims’ verified reports show SARS officers regularly engaged in extreme brutality, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, armed extortion and kidnapping” (Ebiede). There have also been allegations of hangings, beatings, mock executions, waterboarding, strangling with plastic bags, and sexual violence. Protests against SARS originate back to 2017. The Nigerian government set up a committee to respond to complaints against SARS, but no other actions have been taken against SARS officers.
Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing countries on the planet. Almost half of its population is under the age of 30. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has criticized and demeaned Nigerian youth, calling them lazy and incompetent. Most of Nigeria’s younger population feels ignored by the older ones, and the division is even represented in the economy. Older generations tend to favor agriculture and oil, while the younger generation favors careers in the technological industry, as well as ones that emphasize creativity. This division is also felt by Nigerian youth in their experiences with the government. Police target some Nigerians in tech positions as “internet fraudsters”. Many Nigerian youths have had direct experiences with SARS, and have seen first-hand how they have violated the trust of their country. Amaka Anku, a leader of the Africa Practice at Eurasia Group has said, “...years of ongoing social trauma caused by inadequate healthcare systems and institutions of education, systemic corruption, nepotism, electoral fraud, poverty and more…” are causes of this unrest as well (CNN).
Nigeria’s democratic system is anything but perfect. Its first peaceful transfer of power only occurred five years ago, with the election of President Buhari. A weak legislative branch and corrupt justice system also make the government less than reliable. The government sees these violent protests against SARS as a threat and has responded violently. Despite this, protests continue to fight back. Women have taken several leadership roles in the fight to end SARS. The “feminist coalition” has raised over $400,000 in support of the movement, and provided free medical assistance to those injured in protests. “We are united as Nigerian youths. It has been the most scary, fearful, heartbreaking time but regardless of class, tribe, and all of that, we came together to say we don't want to be killed, extorted, harassed, brutalized,” said an anonymous protester. Nigerian youth feel united as if they can make a real difference in their country. The protests have also gained international support. Kanye West, John Boyega, and Rhianna, and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey have voiced their support for the protesters. There have also been solidarity protests in the UK, Germany, and the US.
It is predicted that these movements, as well as inspiration from other movements across the world, will foster a greater voter turnout in Nigeria’s 2023 elections and affect major campaign issues in the election as well. It is still difficult to say how these protests will directly affect the future of Nigeria, but one thing is very clear. The young people of Nigeria are using their voices to fight for true, real change.
Donations may be made to the Feminist Coalition, Diasporans Against SARS, and the Assata Collective.
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