WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING IN NIGERIA ? #EndSARS | The Adanna & David Family

Summary

The video covers the recent protests in Nigeria against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), highlighting the abuses and corruption within the unit. Initially formed to address crimes like robbery and kidnapping, SARS became notorious for human rights violations, including extortion and unlawful killings. Despite its disbandment in October 2020, Nigerian youths continue to protest for real change, demanding justice, police reform, and compensation for victims of police brutality. The video emphasizes the power of social media in amplifying the movement and urges continued advocacy for reform.

Takeaways

• 💡 The End SARS movement began as a response to the abuses by Nigeria's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was formed in 1992 to combat robbery but became known for widespread human rights violations.
• 🚔 SARS officers were infamous for profiling youths based on appearance, such as dreadlocks or expensive items, and harassing, detaining, or extorting them.
• 📅 By 2010, SARS had become notorious, with reports that the unit extorted ₦9.3 billion (approximately $60 million) from citizens through illegal activities like roadblocks.
• 💪 The hashtag #EndSARS gained traction in 2017 when Nigerian youth, led by activists like Segun Awosanya, began a social media movement to protest police brutality and corruption.
• ⚡ The October 2020 protests erupted after a video showed a SARS officer killing a young man. This ignited nationwide protests against SARS and police brutality, despite government efforts to suppress them.
• 📢 Though SARS was disbanded on October 11, 2020, protests continued because of distrust in the government's promises. This was the fourth time SARS had been 'banned,' but reforms were seen as superficial.
• ⚖️ Protesters demanded five key reforms: release of detained protesters, justice for victims, prosecution of officers involved in crimes, increased police salaries, and psychological evaluation of officers.
• 👨‍⚖️ Protesters also called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate police misconduct, with transparent processes to ensure fairness and accountability.
• 🌍 Social media played a critical role in spreading awareness and mobilizing support for the #EndSARS movement, amplifying voices and putting pressure on the Nigerian government for genuine reform.
• 🙏 Despite challenges, the movement continues to seek police reform and justice, with international attention and ongoing efforts to address Nigeria's systemic issues of police brutality.

Q & A

What is SARS and why was it initially established?

SARS, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, was a branch of the Nigerian Police Force established in 1992 to combat crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and other firearms-related crimes.

How did SARS deviate from its original mission?

Instead of addressing serious crimes, SARS became notorious for human rights abuses, including sexual harassment, illegal detention, profiling based on appearance (e.g., dreadlocks, expensive phones), and extortion.

When did SARS begin to gain widespread negative attention?

SARS started to grow in notoriety around 2010, when reports of corruption, extortion, and human rights abuses became widespread. In the same year, Amnesty International threatened to sue the Nigerian police for these abuses.

What triggered the recent protests against SARS in October 2020?

The protests began on October 3, 2020, after a viral video showed a SARS officer shooting a young man in Delta State. This, combined with years of pent-up frustration over police brutality, led to nationwide protests.

Why did protesters continue to demonstrate after the government announced SARS disbandment?

Protesters remained skeptical because SARS had been 'banned' multiple times in the past without significant change. Many believed the officers would simply be reassigned under a different name, perpetuating the same abuses.

What are the 'Five for Five' demands of the protesters?

The 'Five for Five' demands are: 1) Immediate release of detained protesters, 2) Compensation and justice for families affected by police brutality, 3) Investigation and prosecution of guilty officers, 4) Increased police salaries to reduce corruption, and 5) Psychological evaluation and retraining of police officers.

Why are young Nigerians angry at the older generation during the protests?

Young Nigerians feel frustrated that the older generation has been largely silent or complacent in the face of oppression. They believe the older generation has allowed corruption to persist, while today's youth are more vocal and connected, demanding change.

What has been the response of the Nigerian government to the protests?

The government, particularly President Buhari, has been criticized for its slow and disconnected response. Buhari’s statement on the protests lacked emotion and did not address the key issues effectively, further angering the youth.

How can people support the protests and the movement for police reform in Nigeria?

People can support by amplifying the movement on social media, joining peaceful protests, and donating to funds that assist injured protesters and those detained illegally. Platforms like the Feminist Coalition are recommended for donations.

Why do many Nigerians believe that real change will be slow to come?

Despite the current protests and demands for reform, many Nigerians feel that change will be slow because the older generation of politicians, who are seen as corrupt, are still in power and show little intention of leaving or addressing the root causes of the issues.