Nigerian youths took to the streets again in Nigeria's major cities on Monday as #EndSARS movement against alleged police brutality snowballed into calls for sweeping changes in the West African country.
Anger over the police's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) erupted into widespread demonstrations since last week, forcing the government to scrap the unit. Protestors were using Twitter and the #EndSars hashtag to spread photos and videos showing alleged police brutality.
Most demonstrations are now peaceful, after the Nigerian authorities barred the police from using force against the protesters, but the reported violence is on the rise.
A demonstrator holds up a banner during a protest over alleged police brutality in Lagos, Nigeria, October 17, 2020. /Reuters
At least two were killed around demonstrations on Saturday in Osogbo in southwestern Osun state, a spokesman for Governor Gboyega Oyetola told Reuters. The spokesman said an angry mob had attacked Oyetola's convoy, leaving two people dead.
In the capital Abuja, tensions were high on Monday after protestors said they were attacked by suspected hired thugs on Sunday.
"The Nigerian army and police are everywhere, no doubt to stop the peaceful protest," a 24-year-old demonstrator told AFP news agency.
Meanwhile, police said one of their facilities was attacked on Monday by "persons posing as #EndSARS protestors" in Benin, Edo state.
"The extent of damage cannot be ascertained at the moment but report indicates that the protesters carted away arms and ammunition from the armory and freed the suspects in custody before setting some of the facilities ablaze," the Nigerian police said on Twitter.
Demonstrators gather beside an electronic billboard displaying the slogan 'End police brutality', during a protest in Lagos, Nigeria,October 17, 2020. /Reuters
Nigeria's new tactical force will start the training on Monday to fill the gaps left when the police disbanded SARS on October 11. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will join training on humanitarian laws, police conduct in conflict, and human rights in the use of force, arrest and detention, according to the statement released by the police.
Former SARS officers are not eligible to join SWAT, the statement said.
Nigeria's army will commence annual military exercise tagged Operation Crocodile Smile nationwide from October 20 to December 31 this year. This is the first time the annual exercise, typically concentrated in the Delta region, will be nationwide, but the army official said on Saturday it was not part of any security response to recent widespread demonstrations.
(With input from agencies)
Read more: Nigerian army plans nationwide exercise as anti-police protests swell