In the past few weeks, Nigeria has seen a series of protests calling for an end to SARS. SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) was a police unit created in late 1992 to deal with armed robbery; but protestors, mainly young people, claim that the unit abuse their power and carry out kidnaping, murder, theft, rape and many others along those lines.
The first demand of protestors was the disbanding of SARS. On the 11th of October 2020, the unit was disbanded but protests continued. The original demand manifested into a greater call for change in Nigeria, they are demanding greater regard for human rights. This comes amidst the Lekki toll massacre on the 20th of October, were 10 peaceful protestors were shot dead by the Nigerian army. The protestors are also demanding for a revival of education and healthcare plus a greater effort towards job creation. With Nigeria still recovering from a 2016 recession and now faced with the Covid-19 recession, things are looking bleak, however protestors remain hopeful.
The people and diaspora of Nigeria hold their breath at the chance of permanent and meaningful change in Nigeria. The current government must aim to implement significant reform to the police and the country as a whole or risk losing a lot of support. With 50% of registered voters being 18-35, the same age range that was responsible for the protest, the actions of this current government and voters will have lasting effects.
