The ENDSARS Protest in Nigeria and the Need for Police Reforms The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is at the centre of nationwide protests, which have rocked all the major cities and towns across the twenty one states. According to the Amnesty International, more than 56 protesters have lost their lives in the weeks-long protests, with scores sustaining injuries and an indefinite day and night curfew imposed in regions like Lagos, among others. The Nigerian youths make up more than 70% of the country’s population, with most of them below the age of 30. With unemployment standing at 21.7 million, with 64.06% being the youths, this explains why the youths are the ones driving the protests. Ironically, the political leadership is enjoying a lavish lifestyle, yet paying very little attention to the education and health sectors, where the youths belong. These youths seem to have rediscovered their power and influence in salvaging their country, from the jaws of cultural and political impunity. They are demanding a new dawn for a new culture, where the rights of the people are safeguarded. Interestingly, the young Nigerians have so far engaged in peaceful protests, ensuring that shops are not looted, streets are left clean, and that there are no cases of lawlessness. In 1992, the Commissioner for Police set up SARS in an effort towards curbing armed robberies in Nigeria. Almost 20 years later, the unit had become large, powerful and uncontrollable, with its focus expanding to cover internet fraudsters. In discharging their mandate, the members carried guns, drove cars which were unmarked, and operated without dressing in uniform or displaying badges. The unit became synonymous to violent harassment of the youth of Nigeria, who in their innocence were compelled to withdraw funds from ATMS and transfer the same under coercion. Numerous people have had encounters with police officers believed to be from the unit, who go around conducting unwarranted impromptu searches, and more often than not demand for bribes, in the absence of which they threaten dire consequences. In some instances, the officers have been quoted saying, “You know if I shoot you, nothing will happen. The highest anyone will do is cry justice on Twitter.� These police would occasionally cover their faces with masks, way before Covid-19 came, and continually extort money from innocent Nigerians, including those with tattoos and dreadlocks. They even harassed
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