In October 2020, Nigeria was rocked by the #EndSARS protests, a youth-led movement against police brutality, specifically targeting the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests, which began on social media, quickly spread to major cities across the country and the diaspora.
The movement reached a tragic climax on the night of October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos. Peaceful protesters who had gathered there were allegedly fired upon by security forces. The incident, which was live-streamed by some participants, sparked international outrage and led to widespread unrest.
The #EndSARS movement was a significant moment of political awakening for Nigerian youth. It forced a conversation about governance, accountability, and human rights, and its impact continues to be felt in the country’s political discourse.