The formation of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) dates back to late 1992 under the leadership of former police commissioner Simeon Danladi Midenda. It was triggered by the killing of Colonel Ezra Dindam Rimdan of the Nigerian Army by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos in September 1992, followed by a subsequent strike by police officers and a surge in criminal activities. In response, soldiers were deployed to hunt down police officers, leading to the withdrawal of the police from key areas, resulting in a spike in crime rates. To address this, SARS was established with an initial team of fifteen officers and two Peugeot station wagons. Named the Special Anti-Robbery Squad by Midenda, it aimed to combat violent crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping. SARS became officially commissioned in Lagos in November 1992, operating under the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department as one of its fourteen units.
However, over time, SARS became notorious for widespread human rights abuses. Numerous reports surfaced, documenting cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and extortion committed by SARS officers. Innocent civilians, often young people, were frequently targeted and subjected to brutal treatment.
The emergence of social media platforms further exposed the atrocities committed by SARS. Nigerians began sharing their personal experiences and videos showcasing the brutality of SARS officers, effectively drawing attention to the issue on a national and international level.
In response to public outrage, the #EndSARS movement gained momentum in 2017. Citizens took to social media to demand an end to the abuses and to call for police reform. The movement eventually transitioned to physical protests, with Nigerians across the country taking to the streets in 2020 to demand justice, accountability, and an end to SARS operations.
The Nigerian government announced the disbandment of SARS, acknowledging the need for reform within the police force. However, these actions were met with skepticism as similar promises had been made in the past without tangible changes being implemented.
The protests continued, fueled by demands for justice for victims of police brutality and calls for broader institutional changes. International support for the #EndSARS movement grew, with celebrities, organizations, and activists amplifying the demands for reform and justice.
The history of SARS in Nigeria underscores a troubled legacy. While the unit was established to maintain law and order, it deviated from its original mandate, resulting in rampant human rights abuses. The #EndSARS movement highlights the urgent need for comprehensive police reform, independent oversight mechanisms, and accountability to rebuild trust between the Nigerian people and law enforcement agencies.
The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria received significant international support from various individuals, organizations, and governments. Supporters worldwide expressed solidarity with Nigerian protesters and condemned police brutality. Here are some key examples of international support:
Prominent figures such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Burna Boy, Lewis Hamilton, and Kanye West used their platforms to raise awareness about the #EndSARS movement. They shared information, called for justice, and donated funds to support the cause.
Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations Human Rights Council condemned the human rights abuses by SARS and supported the demands for police reform in Nigeria. They issued statements, conducted investigations, and released reports to shed light on the situation.
Several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and European Union nations, expressed concern over the excessive use of force by Nigerian security forces. They called for accountability, urged the Nigerian government to address the protesters' demands, and stressed the importance of respecting human rights.
Nigerians living abroad organized protests, solidarity marches, and online campaigns to show their support for the #EndSARS movement. They engaged with local politicians, media outlets, and civil society organizations to raise awareness and put pressure on the Nigerian government.
International organizations and individuals contributed funds to support the medical bills, legal aid for protesters, and the families of victims who suffered from police brutality during the protests. Crowdfunding platforms and social media campaigns were used to raise funds globally.
The international support for #EndSARS highlighted the global recognition of the need for police reform and justice in Nigeria. It also demonstrated solidarity with Nigerians in their struggle against human rights abuses and their quest for a more transparent and accountable law enforcement system.
The hashtag #EndSWAT gained prominence in Nigeria during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. It was used as a call to end the newly formed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, which was proposed as a replacement for the disbanded SARS unit. Many protesters and activists viewed the creation of SWAT as a mere rebranding of SARS, rather than a genuine commitment to police reform.
Protesters believed that the Nigerian government's decision to establish SWAT without substantial consultations with the public and activists was an inadequate response to the demands of the #EndSARS movement. They argued that true police reform should entail addressing the structural issues within law enforcement agencies, including accountability, training, and an end to police brutality.
Proponents of the #EndSWAT campaign called for a comprehensive police reform process, with the involvement of civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and citizens. They emphasized the need for transparency, independent oversight, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that a new unit or any reforms genuinely meet the demands of the Nigerian people.
The #EndSWAT campaign was an extension of the broader #EndSARS movement, and its goals aligned with the overall demand for an end to police brutality and systemic change within law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. The campaign drew attention to the need for meaningful and holistic police reform rather than cosmetic changes that could perpetuate the same abuses that SARS was notorious for.