Send message to Authors

Paper short abstract:

This research critically examines the evolution and impact of the End SARS movement, highlighting the role of digital platforms in mobilizing, organizing, and amplifying the voices of dissent. Moreover, it evaluates the accomplishments, obstacles, and lasting legacies of the movement.

Paper long abstract:

This research focuses on the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) within the Nigerian police, initially created in 1992 to combat violent crimes. However, over time, SARS became infamous for widespread human rights violations, including unlawful arrests, extrajudicial killings, extortion, rape and torture. In response, a significant campaign, #EndSARS, emerged in late 2017, led by Nigerian human rights defenders and activists. This research critically examines the evolution and impact of the End SARS movement, highlighting the role of digital platforms in mobilizing, organizing, and amplifying the voices of dissent. It delves into the ways in which social media, online activism, and digital technologies have redefined the landscape of political engagement in the global south, providing new avenues for civic participation and advocacy. Furthermore, this study assesses the achievements, challenges, and enduring legacies of the End SARS movement. It analyzes the movement's effectiveness in catalyzing tangible reforms, addressing systemic injustices, and fostering a culture of accountability within Nigeria's law enforcement institutions. By synthesizing qualitative data from interviews, media analysis, and scholarly literature, this research offers nuanced insights into the broader implications of police brutality and protest movements on political participation in Nigeria. It concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society actors, and activists to leverage the power of digital politics in advancing social change, protecting human rights, and strengthening democratic institutions. Through a thorough analysis of the End SARS campaign, this research sheds light on the broader implications for activism, governance, and the role of digital technologies in reshaping political landscapes.