A GLOBAL movement protesting the actions of a notorious Nigerian police force has received global attention following viral social media campaigns.

The hashtag accompanying the campaign, #EndSARS, quickly began trending on social media in Nigeria, the UK and US. It is part of protestors’ calls for the Nigerian government to disband Special Ant-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Peaceful street protests have also been taking place since Wednesday 7 October, in various major cities across Nigeria, including Lagos, Ibadan and its capital Abuja as part of the #EndSARS campaign.

Over the past few years, there have been multiple reports, both on and off the record, of SARS committing acts of corruption and malpractice. 

The Nigerian police force unit has reportedly unlawfully arrested and detained young people, kidnapped, committed murders and extorted money from those its detained and their family members. 

The Nigerian government’s failure to take action against the force has fuelled the anger and protests across the country.

British-Nigerian Hollywood star John Boyega has also become a voice for the campaign. 

He tweeted: “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” 

He also added: “This situation is tied to many other issues. Please lend your attention to this pressing problem!” 

International singer and songwriter Davido has also spoken on the campaign, tweeting: “My people need me …. #EndSarsNow.”

The campaign was further ignited following the reported killing of a man by SARS officers last Saturday. 

In an online statement, Amnesty International said the government have failed to diminish the unit’s “impunity”, despite “pledges to reform the police squad and investigate violations committed by its officers”.

A protest in London has been scheduled for Sunday 11 October, at the Nigeria High Commission.