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All You Need to Know About the #EndSARS Movement in Nigeria
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ENDSARS Protest: Why the Nigerian Youth Movement Against Police Brutality?
Nigerian youths have led a massive protest for 9 days and counting against the FSARS, demanding a total ban and an end to all forms of police brutality.
Here is why
Who are the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad(FSARS)
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad was founded in late 1992 by a former police commissioner, Simeon Danladi Midenda when a Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Col. Rindam was killed by Police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.
When the Nigerian Army became aware of the incident, soldiers were dispatched to the streets in search of any Policeman they could find. Policemen allegedly fleed for their lives abandoning checkpoints, security areas, and other points of interest for criminals; some were even said to have resigned. As a result, the crime rate increased with armed robbers taking over Lagos.
SARS was formed with only 15 officers operating in the shadows without knowledge of the Nigerian Army. This was due to the existence of three already established three anti-robbery squad which was operational at that time. Midenda needed to distinguish his squad from the already existing teams hence naming his team, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
After months of dialogue, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force came to an understanding and official police duty began again in Lagos. The SARS unit was officially commissioned in Lagos following a ceasefire by the Army.
SARS became one of the 14 units in the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department which was established to detain, investigate and prosecute people involved in crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, and other forms of crimes.
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What was their Method of Operation?
During its formation, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad was known to operate secretly. SARS operatives were not allowed to wear a police uniform, publicly carry guns, or have walkie-talkies. They were given unmarked vehicles with sometimes no license plates or private plate numbers during duty.
Early Reactions by Nigerians
Although the squad was created as a faceless police unit that performs undercover operations against crime, it has been recorded several times that SARS officers have been alleged to be engaged in human right abuses, illegal stop and search, illegal arrest and detention, unauthorized killings, sexual harassment of women and brutalizing many young Nigerians. The alleged human rights abuse of the SARS squad has been seen in trending videos on social media.
In 2017, Segun Awosanya actively took up the #ENDSARS campaign on social media alongside other activists. This ended in backings and protests by people to end the police brutality and scrap the unpopular police unit.
According to Amnesty International’s 2016 report, SARS is indicted and responsible for human abuse, cruelty, degrading treatment of Nigerians in their custody, and other widespread torture. Some of the human right abuse by SARS include the shooting of their detainees in the leg, mock or threats of execution, hanging, and severe beating.
A 2020 publication by the organization indicates that between January 2017 and May 2020, they have documented 82 cases of abuses and illegal killings by SARS.
October 2020 Resurgences
Saturday 3 October 2020, a video started trending on social media showing a SARS police officer shoot a young Nigerian in front of Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State. It was alleged that the police officers took away the young man’s vehicle. The trending video caused a public uproar on social media, especially on twitter, with the hashtag #ENDSARS beginning to trend.
Thursday 8 October 2020, nation-wide ENDSARS Protest started after weeks of outcry and anger with videos and pictures showing police brutality, harassment, and extortion in Nigeria. The protests were led predominantly by young Nigerians in different cities alongside many activists and celebrities.
The Nigeria Police Force was seen disrupting the ENDSARS protests in some cities, throwing teargas, water cannons, and shooting at unarmed peaceful protesters in Abuja, Lagos, and Osun. This led to the death of 10 Nigerians.
5for5 End SARS Demands
Sunday, 11 October 2020, the protesters put up five demands to be met by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The demands which were signed by ‘A Nigerian Youth’ had the following request:
- Asks for the immediate release of all arrested during the protests as well as justice.
- Compensation for all who died through police brutality in Nigeria.
- Demanded that an independent body be set up within 10 days to investigate and prosecute all reports. of police misconduct.
- The protestors also asked for psychological evaluation and retraining of SARS operatives before they are deployed to any other police unit.
- They asked for adequate remuneration for Nigerian police.
The Federal Government’s Reply to the Uproar
In response to the public outcry on the police brutality, the Inspector-General of Nigeria Police banned the FSARS, Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Cultism Squad, and other tactical units from mounting of roadblocks, checkpoints, stop and search and other routine and patrols. However, the Nigerian government has banned and restructured the FSARS 4 times before this recent ban. This action has caused the citizens of Nigeria to question the authenticity of the ban.
Further infuriating the protesters was the fact that shortly after the ban was placed some SARS officers reportedly killed and were shooting at peaceful protesters. Following this, ENDSARS protesters insisted on scrapping the police unit instead of a ban.
On the 9th of October 2020, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat spoke to the protesters accepting that police officers do not have the right to invade the rights of lawful citizens for owning gadgets. He condemned the act and assured that the Lagos government will take needed action.
On that same day, the Lagos State House of Assembly held an emergency parliamentary sitting to deliberate the petition of the EndSARS protesters. They made a seven-point resolution that Nigeria’s Senate and House of Assembly should probe FSARS, the commissioner of police should protect protesters, Harassment of youths should be stopped, An institution of public inquiry on the extra-judicial killings should be set up by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Banning of SARS and replacement of the unit for a new one with a clear code of conduct and sanction of illegitimacies
Two days after,11th of October, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu announced the disbanding of SARS. Many Nigerians criticized the announcement, noting that similar promises have been made earlier and that the government planning to reallocate SARS officers to other police departments rather than eliminate them from the force entirely didn’t sit well with them. The protests continued.
Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor on the 12th of October 2020, announced that he banned any form of protests in the State. However, ENDSARS protesters defied the ban insisting that the constitution in a democratic government gives them the right to protest.
On that same day, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde barred the Police from engaging with the protestors to prevent further casualties.
On the 13th October 2020, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa the Governor of Delta State announced the constitution of a five-member Police Complaints Committee with two representatives from youth organizations
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force, Frank Mba also announced the setting up of a Special Weapon and Tactics Team (SWAT) to replace SARS. The new unit which is expected to take off within the next 7 days will undergo a psychological and medical evaluation to determine their fitness
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised to set up a N200M fund for residents of the State who have been victims of police cruelty.
A press release signed by the Presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina indicates that the Nigerian Government has agreed to the five demands of the ENDSARS protesters. The agreement was reached at a meeting organized by the Office of the Inspector General of Police and National Human Rights Commission. It was attended by stakeholders which included officials of the Ministry of Police Affairs and Police Service Commission, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, and activists from the entertainment industry.
Pro-SARS, ENDSARS Clash
Wednesday, 14 October 2020, There was chaos in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja and the commercial capital Lagos on as ENDSARS protesters were attacked by other groups against the campaign.
Several persons were injured and vehicles vandalized as the invasion of the new groups led to a clash at the popular Berger Roundabout in Abuja. Armed policemen and other security agents who were around could not contain the situation.
Some of them were captured by the #ENDSARS activist and some that were injured rushed to the hospital by the #ENDSARS Activists.
One of the Pro-SARS activists allegedly said they were paid #1,500 to Disrupt the peaceful ENDSARS protest.
Thursday, 15 October 2020, the ENDSARS protesters demonstrated peacefully at the National Assembly in Abuja and other states in the Country.
A press statement was released by FCTA, banning any ENDSARS protest or demonstration within the FCT because of the violation of the safety protocols which were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens. This, however, did not make the citizens budge as they continued protesting.
Social Media Influence on the Protest
Social media, most especially twitter has played a pivotal role in aiding the protest., Information on meeting spots and protest spots are shared daily on social media using the hashtags. More so similar brands have synergized online to provide basic human requirements such as medical aids, food, water, hot tea, raincoats, solar charging spots, etc, to aid the protest and help make protesters comfortable.
A total of 62 million has been donated by Nigerians with the aid of Flutter Wave, a fin-tech company, who created a payment link to aid contributions. These funds are being donated for the welfare of the protesters and to cover for inconveniences that might occur in the course of the movement.
NGO’s such as the feminist coalition and celebrities are at the forefront of these donations with accounts being balanced daily on twitter of every kobo spent pursuing the #EndSars now #EndSwat course.
On twitter, protesters made a pact to ensure a litter-free protest which led to protesters cleaning grounds of the ENDSARS protest in Abuja and Lagos. The ENDSARS movement has shown a united front among Nigerian youths with twitter playing a major role as a virtual meeting ground to discuss matters arising.
Notable celebrities at the forefront of this ENDSARS campaign includes; Falz, Runtown, Mr.Marcaroni, FkAbudu, Davido, Wizkid, Vector, Patoranking, Tacha and international celebrities like BigSean, Treysongz, Kanye West, Cardi B among others.
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The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated the service’s commitment to using smart border technology to enhance regional security.
The CGC made this statement at the West Africa Border Security Week held in Lagos on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.
The Customs Chief, who was represented by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in charge of the Apapa Area Command, said that the service is meeting the demands of border protection.
He stated, “The conduct of Time Release Studies and the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technology have ensured that we can meet the demands of our border protection.
“Implementing this smart border technology in West Africa will also require a collaborative effort from governments, international organisations, and stakeholders to address the unique challenges and needs of the region.”
Regarding synergy with sister agencies, the CGC noted that numerous illicit items have been intercepted in recent months with the assistance of relevant security agencies.
“Regarding smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a series of arms and ammunition. Just two months ago, we recorded 10 containers at Onne ports, as well as some at other ports,” he emphasised.
For her part, Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration Mosunmola Onilade stated that effective interagency coordination is not only desirable but essential for reducing wasteful overlap and unnecessary rivalry.
According to her, an interagency approach to crime prevention and control, as well as in preventing irregular migration, is not only imperative but very urgent. “We cannot allow rivalry between stakeholders to affect our work, which would jeopardise our national security.”
A paper was presented by the Assistant Provost Marshal, Customs Police Unit Zone ‘A’, AC Tasiu Sanusi, on the topic: “Illicit Trade and Its Implications on Border Security: The Role of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
…As NCCSC Graduates 50 Officers for Junior Course 19
By Muhammad Bashir & Efoguah Tobiloba
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, 27 August 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Abuja, charged officers who underwent three months of rigorous training of Junior Course 19 to continue to consider themselves as ‘good’ ambassadors of the Service, while also embracing the significance of continuous learning to add value to the Service.
The auspicious event, where the CGC, was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, DCG Bello Jibo, also had in attendance, Assistant Comptrollers-General, Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, and Deputy Commandant, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin.
Addressing the graduands, DCG Bello Jibo, urged them not to relent on furthering their knowledge on Customs operations, as they were rigorously trained, adding, “The knowledge you have gained here is your foundation to showing your commitment to continuous learning and development that will define your success so, go forth with confidence; serve with honour and lead with integrity.”
He also said, “It’s my great pleasure that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion as we celebrate the graduation of the students of junior course 19, it marks the culmination of three months of hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence in Customs operations and administration.”
DCG Jibo, while continuing his speech, described the College as a remarkable citadel of learning and training within the Service, highlighting that, “It is here that the foundation for future leadership is laid, where Customs officers are equipped with the skills and knowledge.”
He further stated that the standard knowledge that students gained at the college is more than enough for them to navigate the complex landscape of global trade, security and border management, reiterating that, “This institution has produced some of the finest officers who have gone on to lead our service with distinction, and I have no doubt that the graduates here today, will follow suit.”
The CGC’s representative, DCG Bello Jibo, further said, “Your journey has not been easy, but your resilience and determination have brought you to this point. The knowledge and skills you have acquired here are not just tools for your career; they are keys to unlocking the future of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
He charged them to uphold the ethics of their work, as the Service considers them top bearers of its mission to facilitate trade, secure national borders and ensure the country’s economic prosperity.
He said, “The future of our service depends on your ability to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose and uphold the highest standard of professionalism. Today, we recognise the honour of the outstanding achievement of some of our graduates who were given special awards.”
He described the awards given to them as ‘a testament of the exceptional dedication and performance’ throughout their stay at the college, adding that “These awards are not just a recognition of their hard work, but a call to all of us to strive for excellence in everything we do.”
“The success of the Junior Course 19 reflects your commitment to excellence in training and education. In closing, I want to remind each of our graduates that today is not the end of your learning journey, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in your careers.” DCG Bello Jibo said.
Speaking on the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to collaborating with sister security agencies and stakeholders, DCG Jibo appreciated the turnout of the representatives of military and paramilitary agencies.
On his part, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Kingsley Egwuh, while delivering his remarks, complimented the graduating students and conferred them with the Pass Junior Staff Course (PJSC) title.
ACG Kingsley said, “With the permission of the Special Guest of Honour, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, heavily represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, DCG Bello Jibo, I stand here before you with joy to confer you all with this title and to implore you to practice what you have learned as you go back to your respective Commands.”
On her part, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, who doubles as the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at NCCSC Gwagwalada, urged students to continue to be good ambassadors of the Service, adding that “as you all move to your respective commands to continue to work for the Service, I implore you to transfer your knowledge to your subordinates.”
She also stated that the students were engaged in various courses relating to leadership, public speaking, and computer programs that will shape their careers as professional Customs officers, adding that “The College, as an academic institution, is focusing on research to build knowledge and proffer solutions to the identified challenges.”
While sharing his experience at the college, one of the graduands, Superintendent of Customs Ekene Ochi, stated that the college’s robust courses have equipped him and his colleagues for future endeavours in the service. While thanking Almighty God for the knowledge gained, he expressed gratitude to the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by CGC Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity given to him and his colleagues. He also expressed his appreciation to the Commander of the college, DCG Suleiman Bomai, the Commandant of the college, ACG Kingsley Egwu, the Deputy Commandant of the college, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, and all the Directing Staff of the college for impacting their lives during their time there.
On a separate occasion, the College organised a regimental dinner night on Monday, 26 August 2024, to celebrate the graduating students for completing their three months of training at the College, as part of its tradition to bid farewell to the students.
At the colourful dinner night, DCG Bello Jibo, who played the role of Special Guest of Honour on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the gesture as an avenue for fostering comradeship among officers.
Highlighting the course’s objectives, DCG Jibo said, “This course is essential to our officers’ professional growth and capacity building. When the college introduced senior and junior courses a few years ago, we could hardly have imagined the significant achievement that will emerge from this initiative today.”
By Muhammad Bashir & Efoguah Tobiloba
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to collaborate with Nigeria LNG Limited to boost the Nigerian economy.
This assurance was made known on Wednesday, 21 August 2024, when a delegation from Nigeria LNG Limited, led by its Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, CGC Adeniyi expressed his appreciation for the visit and emphasised the importance of the longstanding partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and NLNG.
He said, “Your organisation’s contributions to our nation’s energy sector cannot be overemphasised. On behalf of all of us, I wish to let you know that we value the productive partnership between us – and we are committed to sustaining this collaboration to further our shared mandates of fostering national growth and development.”
The CGC, however, applauded NLNG’s proactive engagement and dedication to compliance, noting that “such collaboration is essential for the smooth operation of the nation’s trade and economic systems.”
“It is commendable that your organisation not only engages with the Nigeria Customs Service when issues arise but also takes the initiative to visit us out of courtesy. This gesture signifies the mutual respect and understanding that are the bedrock of our relationship.” CGC Adeniyi emphasised.
Earlier in his address, NLNG Managing Director, Philip Mshelbila, appreciated the CGC and his team for the warm reception and reiterated NLNG’s commitment to extend its hands of friendship to NCS for Nigeria’s economic growth.
He said, “At NLNG, we recognise the Nigeria Customs Service’s vital role in facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth operation of our activities. Our relationship has been one of mutual benefit, and we are committed to continuing our work together to promote the economic well-being of Nigeria.”
Continuing his address, Philip said, “We are grateful for the unwavering support we’ve received from your office and your team. This visit is a testament to our desire to maintain and deepen our collaboration, as we believe that our joint efforts contribute significantly to the nation’s development.”
The meeting was wrapped up with an exchange of souvenirs between the two parties, symbolising the goodwill and mutual respect that defines their relationship.
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