Police disperse protesters with tear gas during #EndSARS 4th anniversary rally at Lekki Toll Gate
Officers of the Lagos State Police Command used tear gas and made arrests on Sunday as they dispersed protesters rallying to mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, a movement that gained international attention in October 2020.
Videos from the scene showed demonstrators fleeing as shots were fired into the air, and clouds of tear gas filled the area.
The protesters, who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate around 8:30 a.m. with banners and placards, called for the full implementation of the recommendations made by various judicial panels of inquiry set up in the aftermath of the 2020 protests.
Their placards carried messages demanding justice and accountability for the victims of police brutality and the implementation of reforms promised by the government.
In October 2020, the #EndSARS movement erupted across Nigeria, as thousands of young people took to the streets in major cities to protest against the rampant abuses, killings, and extortion committed by officers of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit within the Nigerian Police Force.
The protests culminated in a tragic confrontation at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where security forces, including the Nigerian military, reportedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators. The exact number of fatalities remains contested, but numerous people were severely injured, with reports of deaths surfacing in the days that followed.
Following the tragic events of October 2020, the Nigerian government established judicial panels across various states to investigate the incidents and address the protesters’ demands. However, nearly four years later, many of the panels’ recommendations have yet to be fully implemented, leaving protesters and human rights advocates disillusioned.
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Speaking at the scene of the recent rally, one of the protesters recounted his experience during the police dispersal. In his words “They have started firing tear gas at us. I fell into the gutter; I was hit on the head,” he told an online media.
In another video obtained by Vanguard on social media, one of the arrested activists, Hassan Soweto, speaking from the Black Maria, said: “A group of protesters who wanted to mark the fourth anniversary of the EndSars Lekki Toll Gate event were apprehended by a group of policemen under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State. I am right now speaking to you from a black maria, completely beaten by police officers without provocation.
“We’re asking here today when the right to commemorate the dead has become illegal and criminalised in this country. We’re simply here to mark the passage of our brothers and sisters who were killed four years ago, we’re asking the international media and members of the public to prevail over the Nigerian government, and the Tinubu regime to stop further attacks on protesters in our country. We’re never going to give up on our right to continue to demand our rights.”
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, defended the police action, stating that the protesters were causing traffic disruptions at the toll gate.
“They were told to disperse, but they were adamant; we had to use minimal force to disperse them,” Hundeyin said.
He denied that there was any confrontation between the police and protesters, despite reports of arrests and injuries.
As the world reflects on the significance of the #EndSARS movement, which brought attention to police brutality in Nigeria and across Africa, the events of this rally highlight ongoing frustrations among activists.
Many are still seeking justice for the victims of the Lekki Toll Gate shooting and demanding that the promises of police reform and accountability be fulfilled.
Earlier today, a group of Nigerians gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate to mark the 4th anniversary of the #EndSARS protest, which resulted in the massacre of unarmed protesters. The police dispersed the crowd with teargas. pic.twitter.com/FoDNFEq4bm
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) October 20, 2024
Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, over alleged involvement in a high-profile arms trafficking network operating across state lines in Plateau State.
The arrest was carried out on Sunday at the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace.
According to a military statement obtained by Politics Nigeria, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms within Plateau State and neighbouring regions.
“Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026,” the statement said.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis. He was placed under surveillance before being stopped at a military checkpoint.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife.
Other items recovered from the suspect included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs showing him in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and ₦73,300 in cash.
Preliminary findings identified the suspect as a former officer of the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been officially dismissed from service.
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“Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement added.
Military authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation aimed at uncovering members of his network, including possible collaborators, financiers, and supply routes.
The operation, according to the Army, represents a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking activities and demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations in the region.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated efforts with other security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and combat violent crimes across the country.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-crime operations and enhance security nationwide.
Further updates are expected as investigations continue.
Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road
The Katsina State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine passengers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina–Kankara Road in Katsina State.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., when suspected armed bandits blocked the highway at Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area.
According to him, the attackers intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III Saloon with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by a 40-year-old man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.”
The vehicle was reportedly conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the armed men stopped it and abducted all occupants.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara mobilised a tactical team, including operatives of the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.
“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Due to the team’s superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, the hoodlums were forced to flee the scene,” the statement said.
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During a sweep of the area after the encounter, police operatives rescued nine victims unhurt.
The rescued persons were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim (28), Rakkiya Ya’u (30), Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud (18), Jumai Majarazu (20), Salamatu Adamu (30), Yusuf Halliru (17), Harira Hamisu (25), Umma Kabir (17), and Nusaiba Maharazu (3).
However, two persons — the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and a passenger, Buhari Kabir — were still unaccounted for at the time of the report. Authorities said a search-and-rescue operation was ongoing to locate them and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and bravery during the operation.
He also reassured residents that the command remains committed to intensifying security operations aimed at clearing criminal elements from highways and rural communities across the state.
Katsina State has continued to experience recurring cases of banditry and highway kidnappings, prompting increased patrols and tactical deployments along major travel routes.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as search operations continue.
Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the kidnapping incident that occurred on Sunday at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the governor directed the Edo State Police Command to immediately launch a swift and coordinated investigation into the incident, with orders to secure the rescue of the victim and apprehend those responsible.
The governor also warned that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public safety or disrupting peace in the state.
“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open investigation into the matter,” Okpebholo said.
“As a government, we will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.”
He urged residents of Benin City and across Edo State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies, stressing that timely information remains critical to ongoing operations.
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Okpebholo further assured that the state government would not relent until those behind the attack are tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a woman was abducted while shopping at one of the stores within the busy Vegetable Market. A viral video circulating on social media showed the moment the victim was forcibly taken away, sparking panic among traders and residents.
Security sources say preliminary investigations have begun, with operatives working to track the kidnappers and review intelligence from the scene to aid rescue efforts.
Kidnapping incidents have continued to raise concern in parts of Edo State, prompting renewed calls for stronger security presence around markets, highways, and public spaces in Benin City.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
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