#EndSars: UK Govt Reacts To Protests Against Police In Nigeria

The government of the United Kingdom has reacted to the #EndSars protests currently rocking different cities across Nigeria.

The #Endsars protesters across various cities in the country are demanding among other things, an end to the indiscriminate acts of police brutalities and particularly the total disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a controversial unit of the police force.

The protests which have been holding across some states including Lagos, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja is to call government attention to the high-handed activities of the SARS officers.

They want the government to scrap SARS, investigate and prosecute erring officers, and compensate victims of SARS abuse.

The protests, which are yet to stop have now attracted the attention of the government of the United Kingdom as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing on Friday evening via a statement on her Twitter page, said the protests represent the desire of the people of Nigeria for police reform.

She urged the government to look into the demands of the people.

She wrote: “Significant protests over #SARS demonstrating Nigerian people’s desire for police reform. Peaceful protests are powerful. Police Act recently passed by @MBuhari provides good foundation to build more accountable community police force. @UKinNigeria @PoliceNG.”

Significant protests over #SARS demonstrating Nigerian people’s desire for police reform. Peaceful protests are powerful. Police Act recently passed by @MBuhari provides good foundation to build more accountable community police force. @UKinNigeria @PoliceNG

— Catriona Laing (@CatrionaLaing1) October 9, 2020

Meanwhile, Bashir Ahmad, the personal assistant on new media to President Muhammadu Buhari has noted that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has briefed the President on the #Endsars protests.

He said a decision should be expected in the best interest of Nigerians.