- As Police Back FSARS Reforms, Reject Disbandment
The series of protests against the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) brutality in Nigeria have gathered international steam.
The protests which spread like harmattan wildfire across Nigerian cities on Thursday and Friday, have drawn attention and interests in the UK, US and in some other far-flung places around the world.
Support from Germany. #EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutality #EndSarsProtests You are not alone. Young people are not criminals by default. pic.twitter.com/z16Tlcsu4r
— Dámilólá (@DamilolaDecarls) October 9, 2020
The hashtag #EndSARS trended at no.1 worldwide on Friday, as angry protesters parked the streets, demanding for the scrapping of the notorious police unit in Nigeria, that has cut short the lives of many Nigerians in their prime.
In Lagos, protesters kept vigil all night at the seat of government in Alahusa, with mammoth crowd joining the youths early Friday morning to press home their demands. Also, protesters thronged the streets in Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Osogbo among other Nigerian cities and towns.
Celebrities like Falz, Small Doctor and Runtown have all become the face of the protest as some of their colleagues continue to receive bashings for remaining indifferent. But more importantly, Nigerians weren’t waiting for public figures before taking to the streets. They’ve had enough of the FSARS excesses.
A viral video of a man allegedly reported to have been killed in Ughelli, Delta state by the police sparked the latest protests. But The New Diplomat had reported that the man was not shot, as it was widely reported initially.
In the UK, a notable voice that has joined the campaign is Nigerian-British movie star, John Boyega.
In a flurry of tweets, Friday, Boyega wrote:“Three years ago Nigeria’s police chief re-organised SARS after public condemnation about the violence that came with their operations. That change has done nothing for Nigerians and today many are still in danger.
“We can’t simply enjoy Banana island every December without noticing the concrete wall placed between Nigerians and their potential. The limitations become unbearable for them and this needs serious attention.
“The youth in Nigeria deserve good leadership and guidance. This situation is tied to many other issues. Please lend your attention to this pressing problem! #EndSARSImmediately #EndSarsProtests #EndSARS #EndSARSProtest.” The tweets were retweeted more than 20,000 times.
Three years ago Nigeria’s police chief re-organised SARS after public condemnation about the violence that came with their operations. That change has done nothing for Nigerians and today many are still in danger. #EndSarsProtests
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) October 9, 2020
But as the protests erupt across Nigeria, some protesters have complained that their peaceful demonstrations have been met with more police brutality, who are attempting to crackdown on the protesters.
As seen in the video below, teargas was fired at protesters in Capital, Abuja, Friday.
There’s absolutely no reason for shooting teargas at unarmed protesters in Abuja. No reason. I have a problem with breathing, it’s escalated now because of the teargas shot at us. They are arresting us. #EndSARS #AbujaProtests #EndPoliceBrutality pic.twitter.com/k2GcezbNxF
— R E Y 💫 (@reykiya) October 9, 2020
You can imagine this horrible approach @PoliceNG as resolved to use. In your wildest thought, do you think this would end just like this?
You all are terrible. A country with sancrosact right to protest for a better living.#EndSARSProtestAbuja pic.twitter.com/uKYCiJPSoa— De-F Inc. (@Definc_) October 9, 2020
The FSARS has been accused of extortion, intimidation, torture and killings.
The Inspector-General of Police issued a directive on Sunday, stopping FSARS and other tactical squads from routine duties—traffic checks, road blocks, stop and search. The directive also stops them from performing any duties in mufti.
However, the protesters are calling for a disbandment of FSARS.
But it appears the Nigeria Police Force remain adamant on scrapping the unit as the Public Relations Officer of the Force, Mr Frank Mba only backed a reform of the outfit, disagreeing with the demand of the protesters who are calling for an outright disbandment.
Mba, who spoke on a Channels TV programme, Friday, said: “If the #EndSARS hashtag is seen as a symbolic call for the reform of SARS, I would say clearly that the leadership of the NPF is in line and ready to work with those making that call.
“However, if the hashtag should be seen as a call for the total disbandment of SARS, I would tell you very clearly that it will be difficult for any responsible organisation to work that path, taking into cognisance the amount of investment in training that government has made in setting up that department and the very critical roles it is playing.”
According to an Amnesty International report published in June 2020, the right group documented 82 cases of FSARS abuse in Nigeria between January 2017 and May 2020 alone.
