ENDSARS ProtestThe #ENDSARS story
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was created in 1992 to tackle violent crimes in Nigeria.
Over time, however, SARS became synonymous with abuse, extortion, and extrajudicial killings — particularly targeting young Nigerians based on appearance, gadgets, or lifestyle.
Reports of unlawful arrests and torture became widespread, prompting early online campaigns calling for reform as far back as 2017.
But the spark that ignited a nationwide movement came in October 2020, when a viral video appeared to show SARS officers shooting a young man in Delta State and fleeing with his car.
That video triggered an outpouring of anger across social media under the hashtag #EndSARS.
Millions of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, joined in demanding:
- The abolition of SARS.
- Justice and compensation for victims of police brutality.
- Comprehensive police reform and accountability.
What began online soon spilled into the streets.
Peaceful demonstrations spread from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other cities — organized organically by Nigeria’s youth through social media, donations and volunteer coordinations.
Under growing pressure, the Nigerian government announced on October 11, 2020, that SARS had been “disbanded.”
However, many protesters doubted the sincerity of this move.
SARS had been “banned” several times before — in 2014, 2017, and 2019 — yet continued operating under new names.
When authorities announced a replacement unit called SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) only days later, protesters saw it as a rebrand, not reform.
The demonstrations continued, peaceful and resolute.
The Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos became a powerful symbol — a safe space where citizens gathered to pray, sing, and wave the Nigerian flag, united in hope for a better country.
On the evening of October 20, 2020, as peaceful protesters continued at the Lekki Toll Gate, the Lagos State Government declared a curfew.
Around 6:45 p.m., military trucks arrived and reportedly opened fire on unarmed demonstrators.
Multiple eyewitnesses claimed that lights were turned off and CCTV cameras removed just before the shooting began.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, later confirmed that at least 12 peaceful protesters were killed that night. (Amnesty International Report)
A judicial panel of inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government later described the incident as a “massacre” and found both the army and police culpable. (Al Jazeera Report)
The Lekki Toll Gate shooting became a defining moment in Nigeria’s struggle for justice, youth empowerment, and accountability.
It drew global attention to police brutality and governance issues in Africa’s largest democracy.
Even years later, victims’ families and survivors continue to seek justice.
Organizations like Amnesty International and numerous activists maintain that full accountability is still lacking. (Amnesty Follow-Up)
Remembering the Victims — #20Oct2020
Every October 20, Nigerians at home and abroad mark #EndSARSMemorial or #20Oct2020.
Online and at memorial marches, people honor the memory of those who lost their lives and continue to demand justice.
You can follow today’s tributes and reflections on social media:
The story of EndSARS and 20/10/2020 is one of pain, courage, and unity.
It reminds Nigerians — and the world — of a generation that rose to demand a better nation.
Remembering the Lekki Toll Gate victims is not just about mourning; it is about insisting that justice and reform must prevail.
May the souls of the victims Rest in Peace️️