In Nigeria, startling reports of extortion, rape, torture, and murder by police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led to the #EndSARS protests which resulted in the immediate dissolution of the special unit by the Nigerian government. While young Nigerians welcome this new development, victims of these crimes are still awaiting justice.
Victims like Ben* wrote to Global Citizen. “One morning I was out, when I was harrassed by the police. They collected my phone and logged in my social media, my gallery and messages. When they were done, I asked the boss why they collected my phone. He told me if I'm not careful, they could arrest me if I kept talking”, he stated. Ben got away unharmed but not everyone is as fortunate.
For years, human rights organizations and the media have documented cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and other ill-treatment committed by SARS officers. Survivors and families of the departed victims have risked everything to tell their stories and seek justice.
Enough is enough. It is time to finally end impunity for police brutality and torture in Nigeria. Young Nigerians at home and abroad are standing together calling for an end to the assault, torture, extortion, and unlawful killings by SARS Officers. They are demanding true police reforms and the prosecution of SARS officers who have perpetrated human rights violations.
Join Amnesty International Nigeria and Global Citizen to demand an end to impunity for police brutality in Nigeria ― email President Muhammadu Buhari and Attorney General Abubakar Malami to call for the total reform of the police in Nigeria and the prosecution of police officers accused of police brutality and violence. The more people speak up, the more pressure there will be on the government to act swiftly.
*Real name withheld.