….as citizens, CSOs, media suffer abuse

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS Nigerians mark four years of bloody crack down of #EndSARS protesters across the country, with the unforgettable use of live ammunition at the Lekki Tollgate by the Nigerian Army personnel who opened fire on unarmed protesters, allegedly killing some and injuring many, and while others were arrested and detained for four years.

The incident caused widespread condemnation within and outside Nigeria, which the Buhari-led Government denied involvement and use of the military, but there were panels of inquiry set up in various States to hear victims and eyewitnesses’ accounts of the attack, but no tangible action was taken on recommendations made by members of the panels.

Meanwhile, some protesters went out on Sunday, October 20, 2024 to protest at the Lekki Tollgate and also to mark the ‘black Sunday’ of October 20, 2020, but were dispersed with teargas by the Nigerian Police Force.

Speaking with Vanguard, some CSOs expressed disappointment over the ugly incident, they pointed out that the police and other security agencies need holistic reforms as citizens’ rights suffer abuse, and CSOs and media are almost gagged by security agencies.

Culture of impunity within the police, others not fully addressed – ANEEJ

The Executive Director, African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor said, “Reflecting on the #EndSARS protest four years after reminds me of a powerful moment in Nigeria’s history, symbolizing a call for justice, accountability, and systemic reforms, especially within the police force. It was a collective outrage against police brutality and abuse of the human rights of the Nigerian youths.

“This 4th anniversary brings mixed emotions: pride in the courage shown by the youth and frustration over the lack of substantial progress in our economy. The fact that protesters were dispersed today highlights the ongoing tension between citizens and the state, signalling that the fight for justice and reform continues.

“The persistence of protests shows that these grievances are far from resolved, and the government’s response remains defensive rather than transformative. It has left a lasting legacy of awareness, even though the full realization of its demands remains a work in progress.”

Meanwhile speaking on the change in police attitude towards Nigerians after four years of the #EndSARS protest, he said, “Some changes such as the disbandment of the SARS unit occurred quite alright, but these reforms have been mostly surface-level.

“Incidents of police harassment, brutality, and extortion persist in many parts of the country. While there has been increased awareness and pressure for accountability, many Nigerians feel that the underlying culture of impunity within the police has not been fully addressed, and distrust remains a significant issue between the police and the public.

Our assessment of police and other security agents on brutality

The Police and other security agencies continue to face accusations of brutality and misuse of power. While the #EndSARS movement brought more visibility to these abuses, and some officers have been held accountable, the broader problem of systemic abuse remains.

“Reports of arbitrary arrests, extortion, torture, and killings continue to emerge. This indicates that despite some attempts at reform, the culture of brutality is still deeply entrenched within the security agencies, and accountability mechanisms remain weak or perhaps underutilized.

Core issues that sparked the #EndSARS protests not fully addressed

The core issues that sparked the #EndSARS protests—police brutality, lack of accountability, and governance failures—have not been fully addressed. While SARS was disbanded, the root causes of police misconduct, including poor training, lack of oversight, and inadequate welfare, remain largely unaddressed.

The panels of inquiry set up in the aftermath of the protests have produced recommendations, but the implementation of those recommendations has been slow, and many Nigerians feel that justice has not been served for victims of police violence.

The unnecessary detainment of protesters remains a significant issue, and it was one of the central demands during the #EndBadGovernance protests. Protesters have often been arrested without just cause, which undermines their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. This act of arbitrary detention has only deepened the public’s distrust in the government, as it reflects an unwillingness to engage with citizens’ grievances through dialogue or democratic processes. Instead of addressing the root causes of the protests, the government’s reliance on detentions and force exacerbates tensions, making meaningful reform seem elusive.”

He also expressed concern for police welfare, training, and relationship with the civilians.

“The welfare of police officers is a significant concern. Many officers are poorly paid and lack basic resources, which can contribute to corruption and unprofessional behaviour. Training is also a major issue, with insufficient emphasis on human rights, conflict resolution, and community policing. Improving welfare, ensuring continuous professional development, and fostering better relationships with civilians through transparency and trust-building initiatives are essential steps for reform. Without addressing these foundational issues, the gap between the police and the public will continue to widen”, he said.

Professionalism within the police, DSS, and military crucial

To enhance professionalism within the police, DSS, and military, it is crucial to establish clear standards of accountability, enforce strict codes of conduct, and ensure that those who violate these standards face consequences. Security agencies must prioritize respect for human rights and the rule of law in their operations.

Continuous training in human rights and community engagement, along with improved welfare for officers, is essential.

Additionally, transparency in their actions and a commitment to protecting citizens rather than oppressing them will help rebuild public trust in these institutions. Reforms must go beyond rhetoric and be backed by real action at all levels of governance.

#EndSARS protest and attendant actions of security agents across the country, what comes to your heart and feeling about this protest and today the protesters have been dispersed by the police?

It’s disheartening after 4 years of EndSARS protests, police brutality remains – AAN

Meanwhile, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, Andrew Mamedu, said, “It is disheartening that four years after the historic #EndSARS protests, police brutality remains unresolved. The decision to disperse peaceful protesters with tear gas at Lekki Toll Gate on this anniversary sends a chilling message: justice remains elusive, and civic freedoms are still under threat.

“Today should have symbolized remembrance and progress, but instead, it echoes the same disregard for human rights that triggered the 2020 protests. The arrests and dispersal with tear gas reflect a pattern of repression that undermines democracy and silences legitimate grievances. Peaceful assembly is a constitutional right, and today’s events show how far Nigeria still has to go.

“The arrests, including that of activist Hassan Soweto, shows the Nigerian government’s continued pattern of intimidation against citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

“Unfortunately, little has changed. The police’s approach to Nigerians shows little meaningful change. Despite promises of reform, reports of police brutality, extortion, and excessive use of force persist. The promise of police reform seems more rhetorical than practical, with reforms either stalled or superficial rather we see them used as weapons in the hands of this administration to harass, threaten and intimidate citizens, media and even Civil Society Organisations.

“Protests against bad governance, like the #EndSARS anniversary rally, have been met with violence, as seen today with the arrest of activists and use of tear gas at Lekki Toll Gate. Citizens still face excessive force for peaceful assembly, as demonstrated by today’s events at Lekki. The police continue to view civic dissent as a threat, responding with tactics that mirror the same abuse and lack of accountability that sparked the original movement. These show to us that the government has no plans of fulfilling it’s promises of reform and has continued to disappoint Nigerians. Public trust remains low and calls for justice and transparent reforms are yet to be fully met.

Brutality, harassment, and misuse of authority persist

The conduct of Nigeria’s security agencies, including the police and the EFCC, reflects persistent issues of brutality, harassment, and misuse of authority. Despite the promises of reform after the 2020 #EndSARS protests, recent events suggest little has changed. A stark example of this is the dispersal of peaceful protesters on the fourth anniversary of #EndSARS. Police in Lagos used tear gas and gunfire to break up the gathering, arresting several activists without provocation. This mirrors the heavy-handed tactics that initially sparked the protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), suggesting an enduring pattern of police brutality and intolerance towards dissent.

“The EFCC’s controversial arrest of radio presenter Favour Ekoh further underscores the misuse of force. Ekoh, who allegedly facilitated a Ponzi scheme, was arrested during a live broadcast at Urban FM in Enugu. While the EFCC justified its actions by citing her refusal to respond to prior invitations, the sudden raid during a public broadcast raises questions about due process and respect for professional spaces. We have continued to see the government use of state security services, the police, and other security agencies to harass, suppress free speech, silence critical voices, intimidate, and unlawfully detain citizens, media outlets, and civil society organizations has become a troubling norm that threatens the foundations of our democracy.

“Despite public outcry, security agents continue to act with impunity. Amnesty International reported 82 cases of police misconduct between 2020 and 2023, many involving torture or killings. The culture of accountability remains weak, and victims of abuse rarely receive justice. Brutality is systemic, not isolated, requiring structural overhauls.

“Today’s actions are yet another example of brutal suppression, echoing the horrors of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting in 2020. The misuse of state power by security agencies is both an insult to democracy and a contravention of the Nigerian Constitution.”

We’re not satisfied with the response to the demands of #EndSARS protesters

“We would not say we have seen any response in the areas of police brutality, extortion, and lack of accountability. Although SARS was disbanded, similar abuses continue under different units. Key demands for transparent investigations, better police welfare, and compensation for victims have only been partially met, leaving activists frustrated. Judicial panels across states made recommendations, but their full implementation is long overdue.

“The systemic issues persist, leaving victims without closure or compensation. The unaddressed promises and reforms made by the government during the 2020 #EndSARS are what have led citizens to the streets to mark the 4th anniversary of these incidents.

“How long will we continue to trust the government with our lives, how long do we need to endure unmet promises and mandates? We want to see accountability and we want to see it now. Judicial panels across states made recommendations, but their full implementation is long overdue. The systemic issues persist, leaving victims without closure or compensation.”

Police officers remain the first line of defense

The welfare and training of police officers have a direct impact on their relationship with civilians. Police officers are the first line of defence in law enforcement, and their relationship with civilians is a crucial aspect of societal stability. However, poor welfare and inadequate training undermine this relationship, fostering mistrust, corruption, and hostility. By investing in police welfare through fair pay, proper training, and psychological support, governments can build a more professional and respected force, enhancing cooperation between officers and the communities they serve. This, in turn, leads to safer societies and a more harmonious relationship between the police and the people. Until these issues are addressed, trust between citizens and security agencies will remain broken.”

Security agencies must embody professionalism, respect

“Security agencies must embody professionalism and respect for human rights. The brazen exploitation of security operatives to silence critics only highlights a disregard for Nigeria’s democratic principles and an inability to tolerate dissent.

“We urge continuous training in conflict resolution, accountability, and respect for civic freedoms. The chain of command must prioritize human rights compliance, and breaches should attract swift, public sanctions. The focus should be on service, not suppression, to regain public trust.”

4 years later, justice still eludes victims of extrajudicial killings – Global Rights

The Executive Director, Global Rights Nigeria, Abiodun Baiyewu, in her reaction lamented that, “It is sad that four years later, justice still eludes victims of extrajudicial killings, brutality and arbitrary arrests linked to the protest. Four years later, we still do not know who gave the order for the massacre at Lekki Toll Gate. Rather than seek the truth and justice, the Tinubu administration chose to suppress peaceful citizens who chose to demonstrate in memory of this tragic point in our nation’s history. Their brutalization and arrest was adding injustice to injustice. Its disgraceful for any administration that claims to be democratically elected.

Police attitude toward Nigerians is not really cordial

“There as been some level of positive change in the attitude of the police, however we are still not there. While SARS is gone, there are still notorious police units that arbitrarily arrest citizens, kidnap and extort them, and act unruly.

“The demonstration at Lekki Toll Gate points you in this direction. Civil society has been working to improve their accountability, but the road is still long. For example, in the past 24 hours, I have received two very sad news. One of a 16 year old girl Deborah Oshinowo who was arrested in Abuja and kept behind bars without food, water or sanitary productions on allegations that she was rude to a court baliff who had come to throw them out of their home.

“A second case of an IDP woman at a camp in Lagos who was brutalized by police officers who had come searching for her husband, and in the process, she miscarried her baby and has been in a bad condition since then. So there has been a reduction, but there is still some road to go.

“Respect for human rights is a culture, and the Nigerian police is not there yet. Brutality is still evident in the ways that they “enforce” the law. You saw examples during the End Bad Governance Protest, and again at Lekki Toll Gate today (Sunday).

“The government has done what they do best – evade accountability. They think that gagging citizens will make them forget – the pains you suppress today will come back as gangrenes to hunt you later.

Failure to treat police officers well reflection of citizens’ brutalization

The failure to treat police officers decently, translates to the way they treat citizens. Monkey see, monkey do. They are poorly enumerated, very little attention paid to their welfare. They are frustrated and battling the economy just as you and I are. It is no surprise that they are so adversarial to citizens. We also need to interrogate their training. A culture of human rights and rule of law is critical to our civilization if Nigeria must advance.”

FG needs to do more on professionalism of security agents

“First the military belong in the barracks and not on the streets. Their job is to ward off external aggression. In the instance that they have been brought in to quell internal insurgencies, they need to receive the training. We need to change their orientation – citizens are NOT the enemy. Nigerians love their country. The government and law enforcement must not breed disaffection in them through their conduct.”

Police yet to learn from #EndSARS protest – OLF

In another reaction, the Founder and President, One Love Foundation, OLF, Chief Patrick Eholor, said, “As we mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, it is important to reflect on the events that transpired during this significant moment in Nigeria’s history. The protests, which began as a call to end police brutality and disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding better governance, accountability, and respect for human rights.

“The actions of the security forces during the protests were deeply concerning, with numerous reports of excessive force, intimidation, and arrests of peaceful demonstrators. These incidents further highlighted the systemic issues within Nigeria’s security apparatus and emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

“Today, as protesters gather once again to commemorate the #EndSARS movement and continue the call for change, it is disheartening to see that some have been dispersed by the police and subjected to arrests. While it is encouraging that those detained were eventually released, the fact that these incidents continue to occur underscores the ongoing struggle for the protection of civil liberties and the right to peaceful assembly in Nigeria.

“The #EndSARS movement has left a lasting impact on the nation, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of Nigerian citizens in the face of adversity. As we remember the events of four years ago, we must remain committed to the pursuit of justice, accountability, and meaningful reform within our law enforcement and security institutions.

“While there have been some efforts made to address police brutality following the #EndSARS protests, the change in police attitude toward Nigerians has been minimal. Many citizens still report experiencing harassment and misconduct at the hands of law enforcement officers. It is clear that more needs to be done to foster a culture of respect and professionalism within the Nigerian police force.

Incidents of brutality continue to occur, eroding trust

“Police and security agents must be held to the highest standards when it comes to protecting and serving the public. Unfortunately, incidents of brutality continue to occur, eroding trust in law enforcement and creating fear among citizens. We must remain vigilant in addressing these issues and advocating for the rights of all Nigerians.

“While some measures have been taken, such as the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the introduction of the Police Act 2020, many of the key demands from the #EndSARS protests remain unaddressed. The lack of transparency and accountability within the police force is still a pressing concern, and the families of victims are still awaiting justice.

Welfare, training, and relationship with civilians essential

Improving police welfare, training, and relationship with civilians is essential for building trust and fostering a safe environment for all Nigerians. Police officers must be adequately compensated and provided with proper training to enable them to serve the community effectively. Additionally, efforts should be made to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and civilians through community policing initiatives and ongoing dialogue.

“To foster a culture of professionalism among Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the military, a multi-faceted approach must be adopted. This includes enhancing recruitment processes, improving training programs, ensuring accountability, and promoting community engagement.

“Recruitment Process: A rigorous and transparent recruitment process must be put in place to ensure that only qualified and suitable candidates are selected. Background checks and psychological evaluations should be conducted to identify any potential red flags or behavioral issues that may negatively impact an individual’s performance in a law enforcement role.

“Training: Comprehensive and ongoing training is crucial to promoting professionalism. This should encompass a wide range of topics, such as human rights, ethics, conflict resolution, and community policing. Training programs should prioritize the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling officers to effectively address complex situations while upholding the rule of law.

“Accountability: Mechanisms for accountability must be strengthened to ensure that misconduct and unprofessional behavior are not tolerated within the ranks. This includes implementing robust internal oversight systems and independent civilian review boards to investigate allegations of misconduct. Additionally, whistle-blower protections should be established to encourage the reporting of unethical behavior.

“Community Engagement: Fostering positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve is vital for maintaining public trust and cooperation. This can be achieved through regular community meetings, local outreach programs, and the establishment of community policing initiatives. By engaging with the public in a collaborative and respectful manner, officers can build trust and work together to address local concerns and maintain public safety.

“Resources Allocation: The welfare of personnel must also be prioritized to boost morale and encourage professionalism. This includes providing adequate salaries, benefits, and equipment, as well as ensuring that officers are not overworked or exposed to unnecessary risks. By investing in the well-being of law enforcement and security agents, Nigeria can create a highly motivated and effective force dedicated to serving the nation.”