In the third world countries, a force on its own has always been detrimental to the rights of the citizens. The scenario is trickier when it comes to African countries, torn apart by poverty, Islamic aggression and power-hungry monsters.  The brutality of the members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Nigeria has been trending in social media. Global influencers have condemned them in their capacities. Many demonstrators calling for #EndSARS movement have been shot down by the soldiers. Although it has been claimed by administrative authorities in Nigeria that the SARS police unit has been dissolved, the demonstrations are going on. Democracy is at stake in Nigeria!

What is SARS & how did it all begin?

SARS aka the Special Anti - Robbery Squad of Nigeria was formed in 1992. The erstwhile government termed it to be a special branch of the national police force to deal with crimes involving robbery, kidnappings, carjackings and firearms. In the last three decades, there have been innumerable complaints from local people that SARS Officials committed gross human rights violations in the name of ' policing '. Cases of torture, ill-treatment and extrajudicial killings have been reported by the common people. Very recently a video went viral showing a Nigerian person being brutally hit by the SARS unit. The video clip went viral and country-wise demonstrations gained momentum. The Nigerian Government categorically announced SARS ban on October 11. But the police atrocities don't seem to stop at all. Like the #BlackLivesMatter campaign in the US, the #EndSARS campaign has rocked this African country. Many human rights organisations have come in support of the protesters who have faced the wrath of the Nigerian police.

#EndSARS & the political future of Nigeria

It is too early to say that the #EndSARS campaign can usher a new political perspective like the Arab spring. The Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has not shown his good will in introducing police reforms. The incessant firing upon the demonstrators at Lagos has complicated the situation. The present stand-off cannot be termed as a failure of a specific police unit but a symbolic moment of Nigerian political consciousness among the youth. No doubt, corruption runs in a pyramid scheme in the country and the harsh crackdown has changed Nigeria forever. Interestingly profiles of victims facing SARS brutality indicate the Nigerian youth, especially those belonging to the tech-friendly middle class. This has been one of the main reasons why #EndSARS became a global phenomenon from an online grievance campaign. The #EndSARS leaders have called for five specific demands but the Nigerian Government has claimed that the 2020 Police Act passed this year already includes some of the clauses. The law and order stalemate is creating a bigger political platform for the Nigerians. And who knows, the 2023 Presidential Elections can bring major changes in Nigeria!

The role of the UK government needs to be reassessed as it has been revealed that the SARS Officers received training from them. The Nigerian police in fact confirmed receiving radio equipment from the UK government. No doubt, the role of the Nigerian diaspora is going to be pivotal in the coming days. The Muslim nation is now on the verge of welcoming a change amidst the unfortunate state sponsored bloodbath.

Image provided by the author.