Peaceful protests against police brutality in Nigeria
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$6,730
We contributed £5,000 to the Feminist Coalition to support Nigeria’s youth‑led #EndSARS movement, which demands an end to police brutality and systemic reforms within the Nigerian police. Our donation helps cover legal assistance, medical care, supplies and support for families affected by the protests, ensuring that demonstrators can continue to call for change peacefully and safely.
- Region 🇳🇬 Nigeria
- Sector ⛑️ Relief
The reason
For years, Nigeria’s Special Anti‑Robbery Squad (SARS) has been accused of profiling, extorting and even killing young people. Outrage over these abuses erupted in October 2020 when a small group of protesters camped outside the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling for the unit to be disbanded. Their sit‑in quickly grew into a nationwide #EndSARS movement powered by social media and the frustration of a generation tired of police violence.
On the first night of the protests, police removed tents and reportedly shot a woman, galvanising more supporters. A collective of young women on Twitter began raising money for medical bills and supplies. They soon formalised into the Feminist Coalition, a group dedicated to supporting peaceful protests, providing legal defence for those detained, paying hospital costs for the injured and assisting families who lost loved ones. Their transparency and efficiency attracted donations from across Nigeria and the diaspora, enabling them to raise the equivalent of about £75,000 in a matter of days.
Although the Inspector General of Police announced that SARS would be dissolved, protesters remained sceptical; similar promises had been made and broken before. Demonstrations spread to more than half of Nigeria’s states, and in several places police responded with force, leaving at least ten people dead. The movement’s demands broadened to include justice for victims and wider police reforms.
Why this matters
Supporting peaceful protest is a way to uphold fundamental rights and challenge unjust systems. Young Nigerians risk their safety to demand accountability from those sworn to protect them. By investing in the Feminist Coalition, we help ensure protesters have legal representation, medical care and basic supplies. This donation aligns with our commitment to social justice and amplifies the voices of those seeking to end state violence.
How the donation helps
Our £5,000 contribution assists the Feminist Coalition in:
coordinating volunteer lawyers to provide legal advice and secure bail for arrested protesters,
paying medical bills for wounded demonstrators,
supplying food, water, protective gear and first‑aid kits at protest sites, and
supporting families who have lost relatives to police violence.
These resources allow activists to continue organising peacefully without being deterred by lack of support or fear of retribution.