Many protestors were arrested during the protest in 2020.

Five years after the EndSARS protests swept through Nigeria, the movement’s echoes continue to shape governance, youth participation, and public accountability in Africa’s most populous nation.

What began on October 4, 2020, as an online outrage over police brutality against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and extrajudicial killings grew into one of the largest youth-led movements in the country's history.

The protests across several Nigerian cities began after a viral video showing SARS operatives dragging two men from a hotel and shooting one of them outside. Days into the protest the SARS unit was disbanded.

Nigerian Police chief at the time, Mohammed Adamu, announced the disbandment of SARS on October 11, following the mass protests across the country, with a promise of wider reforms in the security sector.

Rights groups say the protest opened public conversations about governance, corruption, and the misuse of power, pushing for more greater scrutiny of the police.

“The protests created a new generation of politically aware Nigerians.

“Young people now understand the power of collective action and are no longer afraid to demand accountability", said Adeola Soetan, a civil rights activist in Lagos.

Nigerian Comedian Adebowale Adedayo, popularly called Mr Macaroni on X said "Nigerian Youths lost their lives, jobs, families and dreams at the hands of the most corrupt and evil People we call Leaders!!!

He added "Even though my people are now in love with their Oppressors, this day 20/10/2020 is never to be forgotten nor forgiven".

The movement saw the use of social media as a tool for mobilisation and fundraising. Digital platforms became spaces for organising protests, providing legal aid, and documenting abuses in real time, setting a model later adopted by other civil groups.

While several judicial panels were set up to investigate police misconduct, activists say justice for victims has been slow.

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty- Okei-Odumakin

Joe Okei-Odumakin Nigerian women's rights activist, while speaking on the 5th anniversary of the protest noted that there was a reduction in police brutality.

"Considerably, there is a reduction in the record of rate of police brutality notwithstanding its prevalence against protesters as witnessed in teargas of protesters in Abuja demanding for political settlement and freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu", she said.

The president of women Arise for Change Initiative emphasised the impact social media has taken in making leaders accountable.

"There is an increasing number of youths that are raising their voices in holding government to accountability for the people through advocacy on social media.' Okei-Odumakin added.

Despite setbacks, including violent crackdowns and the seemingly mistrust between security forces and civilians, the legacy of EndSARS remains visible in Nigeria’s political landscape — a reminder of the country’s ongoing struggle for reform, dignity, and democratic accountability.