Why Nigerians are protesting against police brutality

For more than a quarter of a century, SARS has led the country’s most serious crimes – armed robbery, kidnapping, assault and murder. But over time it has become notorious for alleged abuse with explicit penalties.

But critics say the #Sends campaign has changed little.

“Detainees have been subjected to various forms of torture in SARS custody, including hanging, mocking, flogging, flogging, kicking, burning with cigarettes, waterboarding, close contact with plastic bags, holding detainees under stress, physical stress and sexual harassment.” Stated.

“The findings of our research show that few cases are investigated and hardly any officers are brought to justice because of torture and other abuse.”

How did the recent unrest start?

After weeks of online outcry from the country’s youth over allegations of kidnapping, harassment and extortion by the SARS, protesters took to the streets about two weeks ago.

Amnesty International said in a tweet on Tuesday that “thugs and sponsored hoodlums” were also attacking peaceful protesters across the country.

Members of Nigeria’s diaspora community also staged demonstrations in solidarity at home with their counterparts, with demonstrations as far away as Canada, England, Germany and the United States.

Buhari said disbanding the SARS was the “first step” in comprehensive police reform. “We will also ensure that all those responsible for the misconduct or wrongdoing are brought to justice,” he added, adding that “most of the men and women in the police force are hardworking and diligent in performing their duties.”

But protesters are demanding comprehensive reforms and more protection against police, including independent supervision and psychological assessment of officers.

Amnesty said many doubted the promised changes would make a difference. “Nigerians are skeptical of the authorities’ pledge to end police brutality because past claims of SARS reform have turned out to be empty words,” the Wright group tweeted on Monday.

A 17-year-old man died in police custody on Monday in the northern city of Kano, according to Amnesty International.

A group of officials said several protesters and journalists were attacked by police in the capital Abuja on the same day. Video on social media showed dozens of cars set on fire by protesters, and Amnesty said three people had been killed.

What happened in Lagos overnight?

Violence erupted in Lagos hours after state Governor Babajid Sanwo-Olu imposed a 24-hour curfew and deployed anti-riot police in an attempt to prevent further unrest.

Eyewitnesses told CNN that they saw several protesters being shot dead by soldiers at the city’s Lekki Tollgate on Tuesday evening. CNN has not yet been able to independently confirm the casualties.

Akinbosola Ogunsanya, a witness to the protest, said “members of the Nigerian army pulled over us and removed the CCTV cameras before they started firing.”

“They were shooting, they were firing directly, directly at us, and hit a lot of people. I just survived,” Ogunsania said.

Another witness, Temple Onanugbo, spoke to CNN from his home nearby and said he believed the shots were being fired. The noise “lasted about 15 to 30 minutes,” he said. Onanugbo said he saw “multinationals laid on the ground.”

The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, a spokesman for the governor said.

Amnesty said on Tuesday it had received “credible but unsubstantiated evidence” of “excessive use of force” at the time of the protesters’ deaths.

“As we continue to investigate the killings, Amnesty International reminds officials that under international law, security forces will only resort to the use of lethal force when it is strictly imperative to protect against imminent threats of death or serious injury.” Tweeted.