Black Lives Matter protests across the world have shone a light on police brutality – mostly in the west, but also more recently in Nigeria.
There, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has come under the spotlight after years of violence against citizens.
The Nigerian government announced that arm of the Nigerian Police Force would be disbanded in reaction to weeks of protest and unrest. However, it’s the fourth time such a promise has been made, with little actually being done to make it happen.
Protesters on the ground say the announcement that SARS is now defunct is a hollow victory for Nigerians as police continue their violence against citizens.
People are still out on the streets fighting for reform. However, police continue to use water cannons, tear gas and live ammunition on crowds.
Last week, members of the Nigerian Police Force opened fire on peaceful End SARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos State where 46 were confirmed dead. Since protests began, 56 people have died, with many others injured or missing.
So, what is there to know and how exactly can you help?
What is SARS and why was it started?
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad was conceived in 1992 and has been criticised since its inception.
It was founded as one of the 14 units in the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, which was established to detain, investigate, and prosecute people involved in crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
The squad was created as a mask-wearing police unit that performs undercover operations against violent crimes such as armed robbery, car snatching, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and the bearing and use of illegal firearms.
Why is SARS a controversial group?
SARS has been accused of several human rights violations, illegal stop and searches, illegal arrests and detentions, extrajudicial killings, sexual harassment, and brutalising young Nigerians.
A study in June by Amnesty International revealed a pattern of abuse of power by SARS officers and the consistent failure by the Nigerian authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.
It highlighted the deficiencies in Nigerian police accountability that contribute to, and exacerbate, these violations.
People have also taken to social media to show the human rights abuses committed by the unit.
How can you support the movement?
Since news of the protests gained international traction, various voices have come out in support of the movement.
You could learn more about what’s going on in the ground by following several figures including BBC Africa journalist Yemisi Adegoke; The Feminist Coalition who champion equality for Nigerian women; Annie Olaloku-Teriba, who has written about the history of SARS; and lawyer and writer Ayo Sogunro, who also uses his platform to educate followers.
Ayo tells that due to the international attention the cause received, the Nigerian government has said they will formally disband the SARS.
However, he is urging people to keep applying pressure so the government can instill meaningful changes.
He said ‘Further pressure on this point may shame the government into undertaking independent, impartial and transparent investigations and prosecuting those found liable for human rights violations.’
He adds ‘Another potentially helpful action is formally petitioning international bodies (the UN Human Rights Committee and Human Rights Council, the ICC, the African Commission, etc) to take a more active role in ensuring that there is accountability for documented acts of police brutality and for the Lekki Toll Gate shooting of unarmed protesters on 20 October.
‘This could also include petitioning foreign governments to impose sanctions against culpable state actors and non-state actors in Nigeria.’
There is also a Twitter account, @EndSARSUK, dedicated to providing information and sources on the topic.
Kelachi, one of the founders of the group, explained why people should still look into ways they can support the protests.
She explained: ‘We are protesting against the blatant abuse of human rights by the Nigerian armed forces and (by extension) the Nigerian government.
‘Many have been killed for peacefully protesting and demanding the basic right to life. By supporting these protests you are ensuring the lives lost and the voice of the oppressed are heard. By doing this you are lending your voice and ensuring justice prevails.
‘By getting involved you are amplifying the voices on the ground and providing important support for the movement. Every action matters, whether it’s attending an endSARS protest, a tweet, a share, a post on Instagram, speaking about it in your daily conversations to educate on the matter, or writing to your local MP, international bodies, and organisations.’
EndSARSUK has provided a template for this, allowing people to easily contact their MPs in a pre-written letter.
Kelachi adds: ‘Do your part by using the hashtag #endSARS and shedding light on the ongoing issue in Nigeria. Protesting comes in various forms, and it is up to you to choose how you want to express yourself and show your support. Everything but silence helps.’
There are several fundraisers you could donate to help those whose lives have been impacted.
You can donate to The Feminist Coalition who has pledged to be fully transparent about how they use the donations.
There is also the Assata Collective which is sending funds directly to queer and trans people fighting against SARS in Nigeria. You can also donate to the end Sars emergency aid fund for queer people.
