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#EndSARS at 5: Remembering the Protest and the Fight for Justice

Published by admin on October 21st, 2025.

#EndSARS at 5: Remembering the Protest and the Fight for Justice

Five years ago, the streets of Nigeria witnessed an extraordinary wave of youth-led defiance. Across cities and towns, young Nigerians rose in protest against years of unchecked police brutality, chanting with one voice: “End SARS! End impunity!” From Lagos to Kano, from Enugu to Jos, the call for accountability reverberated nationwide.

Today, October 20, marks the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement — a turning point in Nigeria’s civic consciousness and a painful reminder of justice yet to be served.

This report reflects on the roots of the uprising, the faces that became its symbol, the locations marred by violence, the mixed outcomes of judicial inquiries, and the lingering wait for justice by victims and their families.

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The Tipping Point

The #EndSARS protests were born from years of pent-up anger. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), originally formed in the 1990s to fight violent crime, had gained infamy for doing the opposite. Instead of protection, citizens—especially the youth—faced profiling, harassment, and brutality.

Young men were stopped for their hairstyles, clothes, gadgets, or simply for being perceived as “suspicious.” Many were extorted, unlawfully detained, or worse—disappeared or killed. Allegations of torture and summary executions followed the unit like a shadow, but reform remained elusive.

By October 2020, public frustration reached a boiling point. A disturbing video allegedly showing SARS operatives killing a young man in Delta State sparked national outrage. On social media, the hashtag #EndSARS exploded. What started online quickly turned into a nationwide uprising.

Thousands poured into the streets, demanding more than just the disbandment of SARS. They wanted an end to state-sponsored violence and a system that treated citizens with dignity and fairness.

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A Protest Without Leaders, Yet Not Without Direction

One of the defining features of #EndSARS was its decentralized structure. It had no political figurehead, no single organizer. But this lack of formal leadership became its strength. Youths coordinated through social media, raising funds, distributing resources, and sharing updates in real time.

Public figures played crucial roles in amplifying the message. Activists like Segun Awosanya (Segalink), entertainers like Falz, Mr. Macaroni, Runtown, and others took to the streets alongside protesters. Musicians such as Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, and Davido used their platforms to draw global attention.

Perhaps most striking was DJ Switch (Obianuju Udeh), who live-streamed the Lekki Toll Gate shooting to thousands on Instagram. Her footage provided real-time evidence of the horror as it unfolded and made her an international figure — but also a target, eventually forcing her into exile.

Behind the scenes, grassroots efforts kept the movement running: lawyers offering free legal aid, volunteer medics treating injuries, and the Feminist Coalition, which efficiently organized logistics and funding.

Though many of the key actors have since returned to quieter lives, their impact lingers — in conversations about justice, governance, and civic rights across Nigeria.

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The Toll Gate That Became a Symbol

No location captures the spirit and tragedy of #EndSARS like the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos. Protesters gathered there daily, waving flags, singing the national anthem, and holding vigils for victims of police violence.

Then came October 20, 2020 — a night etched in collective memory. Security cameras were reportedly disabled, lights were cut, and the military moved in. Shots rang out. What followed has been called the Lekki Massacre by protesters and victims’ families, while authorities have continuously disputed that account.

The toll gate itself was later vandalized. Attempts to reopen it were met with protest, as many saw it as an attempt to whitewash the trauma. Since then, youths have held memorial events at the site, often facing arrests and intimidation for doing so.

Beyond Lekki, the unrest spilled over. Police stations were burned, warehouses looted, and public and private properties were destroyed — often hijacked by criminal elements. The damage was widespread, and in many areas, the visible scars remain as reminders of a nation grappling with unrest and unfinished healing.

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The Elusive Promise of Justice

In response to the protests, the Nigerian government mandated states to establish judicial panels to investigate the allegations against SARS and the violence that followed. Over two dozen states set up such panels and heard thousands of cases.

The Lagos State Judicial Panel became the most high-profile. After extensive hearings, it confirmed that security forces shot unarmed protesters at Lekki and declared the incident a “massacre.” It published a list of victims, recommended compensations, and urged prosecution of those responsible.

Other state panels reached similar conclusions — affirming systemic abuse and recommending restitution. Some victims received monetary compensation, while others are still waiting. In many cases, implementation of the panels’ recommendations has been slow, partial, or completely ignored.

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A Struggle That Continues

Five years on, the #EndSARS protests remain a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It exposed the depth of police impunity, mobilized a generation, and drew international scrutiny to human rights abuses.

But for many, the core demands — justice for victims, police reform, and accountability — remain largely unmet.

The names, faces, and voices of the movement continue to inspire. Memorials are held each year. Conversations continue in classrooms, online forums, and art spaces. And while the crowds may have dispersed, the desire for change burns on.

#EndSARS was never just a protest. It was — and is — a demand for a Nigeria where every citizen’s life matte

rs, where dignity is not a privilege, and where justice is not a myth.