ActionAid Nigeria has called for an investigation into the use of tear gas by police officers during a memorial gathering marking the sixth anniversary of the EndSARS protests at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
The civil society organisation said the incident, which reportedly disrupted a wreath-laying ceremony attended by activists, journalists and other participants, has renewed concerns about the pace of police reforms and respect for citizens' rights to peaceful assembly.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ActionAid described the police response as troubling, noting that the memorial was organised to honour those who lost their lives during the 2020 protests against police brutality.
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, said the events at Lekki underscored the need for authorities to prevent a recurrence of the circumstances that triggered the EndSARS movement.
“We cannot afford a repeat of what happened in October 2020. The painful memories of #EndSARS are still fresh, and the wounds of families who lost loved ones have not healed,” he said.
The organisation argued that the deployment of tear gas against peaceful participants raised questions about the commitment of law enforcement agencies to reforms and accountability promised in the aftermath of the protests.
ActionAid urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident, publicly explain the circumstances surrounding the deployment of tear gas and sanction any officers found to have acted unlawfully or disproportionately.
The group also renewed calls for the implementation of recommendations made by judicial panels of inquiry established after the 2020 protests, including accountability for proven rights violations and compensation for affected victims and families.
According to Mamedu, Nigerians should be able to commemorate those who died during the protests and seek justice without fear of intimidation.
“The responsibility of the police is to protect lives and uphold the Constitution, rather than suppress legitimate civic expression,” he said.
ActionAid further warned that the incident comes at a sensitive period ahead of the 2027 general elections and stressed the need for security agencies to demonstrate professionalism, neutrality and respect for constitutional freedoms.
The organisation maintained that meaningful police reform and accountability remain essential to ensuring that the lessons of the EndSARS protests are not forgotten.
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