Social Media and Endsars Protest In Nigeria

Abstract

Social media has been useful as a tool of mobilization and campaign in Nigeria. It has been a veritable means of lodging complaints against the unethical conduct of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigeria Police Force.  Between 2016 and October 2020, a series of online and offline protests was organised against the operation of SARS, through the EndSARS campaign.Adopting social responsibility media theory, the paper interrogated the impacts of social media on the EndSARS protest in Nigeria. The desk research method was used in obtaining data from secondary sources.  The paper argued that social media served as a useful platform Nigerian youths  deployed  in organizing and mobilizing for a protest  against the misconduct of  the personnel of the  Special Anti-Robbery Squad and also demanded for police reforms. Though, a useful platform against misconduct of SARS, it spread fake information  which aggravated  the protest which was against the intention of the protesters. The paper recommended compliance with the provisions of a series of police reforms, creation of adequate awareness and accessibility of internal channels by the Police Service Commission through which Nigerians can lodge their complaints against police officer brutality to protect fundamental rights. Nigeria Police Force should also make efforts to improve the method of handling protest to enhance the safety of all individuals. Also, the rule and regulations that control the abuse of social media should be put in place and strictly enforced to discourage people from posting fake  news that will aggravate the security challenges in Nigeria.