Protests against police brutality Continue with new hashtag #EndSWAT

By our reporter|The weeklong protests against police brutality and extra-judicial killings continue on Wednesday with a new hashtag #EndSWAT.

The #EndSWAT protest follows Tuesday’s decision of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to set up a new unit called the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, to replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS).

The protesters described the decision of the IGP to immediately replace SARS squad with SWAT is hasty and unpremeditated.

“All hashtags remain valid towards the struggle. Be vigilant. This is about all of us. We are all in pains right now but don’t let those we have lost die in vain. I saw the SWAT thing. Hasty. But will address,” #EndSARS convener, Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalinks tweeted on Tuesday morning.

At the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, some of the protesters can be seen chanting songs of solidarity and demonstrating despite the early morning rain.

A presidential panel on Tuesday approved the five point demands of the #EndSars protesters, including halting the use of force against protesters and the unconditional release of arrested citizens.

The decison was reached at a forum convened by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, and the National Human Rights Commission, with stakeholders.