Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged use of tear gas against peaceful protesters commemorating victims of the 2020 #EndSARS protests at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the human rights organisation accused the police of violating the right to peaceful assembly during the memorial gathering held to honour those killed during the nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality six years ago.
Amnesty International described the reported use of tear gas against the gathering as reckless, saying it demonstrated a disregard for the victims and survivors of human rights violations associated with the government’s response to the protests in October 2020.
The organisation said the incident raised fresh concerns about the Nigerian authorities’ commitment to protecting fundamental human rights, particularly the freedom of citizens to assemble peacefully and commemorate victims of alleged abuses.
It added that the police response at the Lekki Toll Gate memorial suggested that little had changed in the treatment of citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
Amnesty International called on the Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that any police officers suspected of involvement are held accountable through fair trials.
The organisation stressed that attacks on peaceful assemblies were unlawful, urging the authorities to respect and protect citizens’ fundamental rights rather than use force against people exercising those rights.
It also called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end what it described as persistent attacks on human rights in Nigeria.
The incident occurred on the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, a nationwide movement that drew attention to allegations of police brutality, particularly those involving the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The 2020 protests became a defining moment in Nigeria’s human rights debate, with protesters demanding an end to police abuses and greater accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Amnesty International’s latest condemnation renews calls for the authorities to uphold the right to peaceful protest, investigate alleged police misconduct and ensure accountability for human rights violations.
The Nigeria Police Force had yet to respond to the allegations in the statement provided for this report.
Post Comment