The Special Anti-Robbery Squad, popularly known as SARS, was established as a special police unit in 1992 to tackle increasing incidents of armed robberies and kidnappings for ransom by criminal elements operating across Nigeria ( Vanguard, 23 December 2017 ). This analysis identifies three lessons from the #EndSARS movement and highlights what the government’s response means for Nigeria’s fragile political stability and security. The reaction has widened the distrust between young Nigerians and the government. Military officials have rejected claims that they killed unarmed protesters, alleging that soldiers had only fired blank bullets ( BBC, 15 November 2020 ). Young Nigerians are still reeling from the shock and after effects of the government’s heavy-handed response. On 20 October, Nigerian military forces fired live ammunition at #EndSARS demonstrators in Lagos who had sat down in the road to peacefully protest against police brutality, reportedly killing at least 15. By 8 October, demonstrations associated with this hashtag had begun to increase in size and number throughout Nigeria, peaking at 26 demonstration events on 13 October ( see figure below ). This incident was filmed and went viral, sparking an outcry on social media against SARS using the hashtag #EndSARS. On 3 October 2020, in Nigeria, operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) allegedly shot a young man at Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, injuring him.
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