The #EndSARS protest began as a reaction to years of anger over police brutality in Nigeria, especially abuses linked to the Special Anti Robbery Squad, widely known as SARS. The police unit was created in 1992 to fight violent crimes like robbery and kidnapping, but over time many Nigerians accused its officers of harassment, torture, extortion and unlawful killings. Young Nigerians were often targeted for carrying laptops, smartphones or dressing in ways officers considered suspicious. Human rights groups had documented repeated allegations against the unit years before the 2020 protests exploded nationwide.
ifiokambrose
1 Comments
The #EndSARS protest began as a reaction to years of anger over police brutality in Nigeria, especially abuses linked to the Special Anti Robbery Squad, widely known as SARS. The police unit was created in 1992 to fight violent crimes like robbery and kidnapping, but over time many Nigerians accused its officers of harassment, torture, extortion and unlawful killings. Young Nigerians were often targeted for carrying laptops, smartphones or dressing in ways officers considered suspicious. Human rights groups had documented repeated allegations against the unit years before the 2020 protests exploded nationwide.