The Legacy of #EndSARS: A Movement That Shook Nigeria
Five years after the #EndSARS protests shook Nigeria and forced the disbandment of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the question still lingers: has anything truly changed within the nation’s police force? Despite promises of reform, new laws, and countless panels of inquiry, reports of extortion, brutality, and impunity remain stubbornly familiar. The movement that once united a generation now faces scrutiny over whether it led to lasting transformation or merely renamed the problem.
A Cry for Justice
On October 20, 2020, gunfire pierced the night sky at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, cutting short the chants of a generation that had risen in unity to demand justice and accountability. The #EndSARS protests, led largely by young Nigerians, were not just about ending police brutality; they were a cry against oppression, corruption, and systemic failure. Five years later, as the nation marks yet another anniversary of that fateful day, one question lingers: Was it worth it? And if it was, have the police changed for the better?
Perspectives from Experts
Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC, emphasized the significance of the protests. “Was it worth it? Yes. Absolutely; the #EndSARS protest was one of the most important civic moments in Nigeria’s recent history. It broke the silence around police brutality and forced a national conversation about accountability, governance, and human rights.”
He noted that the Police Act 2020, passed and signed into law in September 2020, provided a comprehensive framework for democratic policing. However, implementation has been slow and selective. “The same old practices—extortion, torture, extrajudicial killings, and political interference—persist,” he said.
Saviour Akpan, Executive Director of COMPPART Foundation, added, “It is not about whether the Police have changed but whether Nigerians who employ the Police and patronise their services have been able to provide them with the right tools to work with.” He urged Nigerians to recognize their role in shaping the police force and to foster a sense of shared responsibility.
Voices from the Youth
Okesola Kolawole, a Sales Manager at West Africa Tire Services Nig, reflected on the unifying power of the protests. “#EndSARS brought cooperation, unity, and love amongst every tribe and religion. It sent a very loud signal to the Nigerian police force on how to deal with citizens.” However, he noted that true change requires restructuring and independence.
Macdonald Irabor, an Environmental Justice Advocate and Businessman, pointed out that the lack of leadership among organizers derailed the movement. “The movement achieved little impact after the protest, which has now filtered away, because some of the officers are back to their normal reckless behaviours.”
Dr Peter Ogunjobi, a Medical Doctor, echoed similar sentiments. “I think it was necessary, though maybe not successful, as the demands of the protesting youths weren’t met. And as for the police, they haven’t really changed; they only appear to have reduced the impunity with which they harass the masses.”
Saheed Olukotun, a concerned youth, described himself as ‘a tired Nigerian’ and noted, “The rot in the police is systematic and will take years of effective leadership to change. The missing link is that Nigeria and Nigerians aren’t yet ready for the country we crave for.”
The Human Cost
For survivors and victims’ families, the scars of EndSARS remain fresh. The government’s denial, some arrested protesters still languishing in prison, and inconsistent responses have deepened the pain. The Lekki Tollgate shootings, officially disputed by the authorities, are etched into the nation’s collective memory as a symbol of betrayal.
Each year, vigils are held in memory of the dead. Candles are lit, names are read aloud, and the question resurfaces: What did they die for?
A New Civic Consciousness
To many young Nigerians, the protests were worth it; not because they achieved immediate change, but because they shattered fear and awakened civic consciousness. EndSARS gave birth to a generation that now demands accountability in governance, from police reform to electoral participation.
As activist Rinu Oduala, one of the protest’s frontline figures, noted in an interview, “EndSARS was never a failure; it was a beginning; we learned to organise, to demand, and to speak without fear; that spirit lives on,” and every October 20, the echoes of those chants, ‘Soro Soke!’ (Speak up!), will always remind Nigerians that silence, too, is a form of violence.
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenges, the movement has left a lasting legacy. It has sparked conversations about police reform, accountability, and the need for systemic change. However, as experts like Idris Maliki Abdul of CHRCR point out, the movement lacked proper organization and coordination. “The concept and the objective initially were okay, to point out the excesses of the Nigerian police, particularly SARS, but it was not properly planned, and there were no coordinating mechanisms at various structures.”
Abdul also highlighted the issue of inadequate funding for the police. “Go to police barracks and stations and see where they live. Even at police headquarters around 9 p.m., there is no light. The DPO has made money through the system but cannot buy fuel of ₦10,000 to put in the generator.” He urged Nigerians to demand accountability in police budgeting.
Conclusion
The #EndSARS protests marked a turning point in Nigeria’s history. They exposed the deep-seated issues within the police force and ignited a nationwide conversation about accountability and justice. While the road to reform is long and fraught with challenges, the movement has shown that civic engagement and collective action can drive change. As the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of #EndSARS, one thing remains clear: the spirit of the protests lives on, and the call for justice will not be silenced.
