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Six years after the #EndSARS protests brought Nigeria to a standstill, the events of October 2020 remain a significant chapter in the country’s history.
What began as an outcry against alleged police brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and killings linked to the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) grew into a nationwide movement demanding justice, accountability and police reform.
Driven largely by young Nigerians, the movement spread rapidly across social media and into the streets, attracting international attention and inspiring solidarity protests among Nigerians in the diaspora. It also marked a defining moment for youth activism, demonstrating the power of collective action and digital mobilisation.
As Nigeria reflects on the sixth anniversary of the protests, here are 10 defining moments that shaped the #EndSARS movement and its lasting legacy.
1. The Viral Video That Reignited the Movement
On October 3, 2020, a video circulated online showing the alleged assault of a young man by SARS operatives in Ughelli, Delta State, before the officers reportedly drove away in his vehicle. The footage sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for the disbandment of the unit, helping turn the long-running #EndSARS campaign into a nationwide protest movement.
2. The Rise of “Soro Soke”
The Yoruba expression “Soro Soke,” meaning “speak up” or “speak louder,” became one of the defining phrases of the protests. It represented the determination of young Nigerians to challenge injustice, demand accountability and refuse to remain silent about the problems affecting their communities.
3. The Protesters’ Five Demands
As demonstrations spread, protesters presented five key demands to the government. These included the release of arrested demonstrators, justice for victims of police brutality, independent investigations into allegations of misconduct, psychological evaluation and retraining of disbanded SARS officers before redeployment, and improved remuneration for police personnel.
4. Aisha Yesufu’s Defiant Protest
Activist Aisha Yesufu emerged as one of the prominent faces of the movement. Images of her confronting security barriers during the demonstrations, with her fist raised, circulated widely online. Her stance became a powerful representation of courage, resistance and women’s participation in the struggle for accountability.
5. The Feminist Coalition’s Fundraising Efforts
The Feminist Coalition played a major role in supporting protesters through fundraising and coordinated assistance.
The group helped provide resources for medical treatment, legal support, food and other essential needs. Its public financial updates also demonstrated how digital platforms could be used to coordinate relief efforts during mass demonstrations.
6. Candlelight Vigils for Victims
Candlelight vigils and memorial gatherings took place in different parts of Nigeria as demonstrators honoured people who had died through police violence. These gatherings provided opportunities for mourning, solidarity and renewed calls for justice for victims and their families.
7. International Support for #EndSARS
The protests attracted attention beyond Nigeria’s borders. Members of the Nigerian diaspora organised demonstrations in cities around the world, while international public figures and organisations drew attention to the protesters’ demands. Social media platforms played a significant role in circulating footage and reports from the demonstrations.
8. Lekki Toll Gate Becomes a Protest Hub
The Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos became one of the most prominent locations associated with the movement. Protesters gathered there for days, organising supplies, sharing food and coordinating activities. The site became a symbol of the determination of young Nigerians to sustain their demands for reform.
9. The Lekki Toll Gate Shooting
On October 20, 2020, the protests reached a tragic turning point when security personnel opened fire on demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate during the evening. Videos and eyewitness accounts circulated widely, generating international condemnation and renewed demands for an investigation into the incident. The events of that night remain among the most painful and contested aspects of the #EndSARS movement.
10. The Lasting Impact on Youth Activism
Although the protests did not resolve all the concerns raised by demonstrators, they left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s political and civic landscape. The movement demonstrated the ability of young people to organise outside traditional political structures and brought renewed attention to police accountability, governance and civic participation.
Six years later, #EndSARS remains a reminder of the demands made by thousands of Nigerians for a safer, fairer and more accountable society.
Its legacy continues to shape conversations about police reform, human rights and the role of young people in determining the country’s future.
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