Behind the Uniform: Police Violence and Abuse after #Endsars Protests in Nigeria (2021-2023)

Abstract

Violence and abuse by those behind uniforms, especially the Nigeria Police, have continued to occupy a position of prime concern to Nigerians. Despite being a critical instrument relied on by the government in ensuring social control and enhancing governance, the Nigeria Police continues to receive prime attention from the Nigerian citizenry. This became very concentrated after the #EndSARS protests of October, 2020, that sought far-reaching police reforms. This study primarily explores police violence and abuse in Nigeria after the #EndSARS protests. Informed by the nature of the research problem, this study adopted the library research method and documentary evidence collected was subjected to detailed examination. The Social Conflict Theory and the Routine Activities Theory were adopted for analysis. The study found that police violence and abuse remain rampant in Nigeria because the police continue to work to preserve the status quo of inequality and exploitation in Nigeria. This situation is escalating despite the commitment of Nigeria to various treaties and international protocols which prohibit the application of violence and abuse in police work. The prospect of effective and efficient policing of Nigeria lies in closing the inequality gap in the Nigerian society. This will create the requisite environment that will enable the transformation of the Nigeria Police to an institution that eschews violence and abuse and is able to protect citizens.