Nigeria: The Disease of Violence - Police Brutality As a Public Health Emergency in Nigeria
[Nigeria Health Watch] Editor's Note: In the wake of the #EndSARS protests that have rocked several Nigerian cities, we at Nigeria Health Watch take a look at some of the ways in which police brutality affects the mental, physical and emotional health of young people, and reflect on the conversations we must begin to have as a nation, if we are to grow a healthy, productive citizenry for the…
In Nigeria, the #EndSARS protests have taken place in response to the violence perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force. The protests have been fueled by widespread reports of human rights violations, including torture, extortion, and ill-treatment by SARS officers. In June 2020, Amnesty International published a report documenting cases of abuse committed by SARS between January 2017 and May 2020.
The police response to the protests has further aggravated tensions, with reports of water cannons, tear gas, and gunshots used against peaceful demonstrators. Amidst the ongoing demonstrations, health advocates have highlighted the link between police brutality and the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of young Nigerians.
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