Endsars Protests of 2020 in Nigeria: Unveiling the Issues and Implications on Governance

In Nigeria, the ENDSARS protests of 2020 emerged as a national movement against police brutality, especially targeting the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This study explores the issues surrounding the protests, the reactions of government and civil society organisations, and their implications for governance in Nigeria. The study is grounded in the Relative Deprivation Theory, which explains protests as responses to perceived gaps between societal reality and expectations. A qualitative methodology was adopted, using secondary sources such as newspapers, journals, media reports, and government documents, analysed through content analysis. Key findings reveal that the protests were rooted in long-standing grievances, which escalated viral incidents of extrajudicial killings, governance issues, human rights issues, and socio-economic grievances. Government responses ranged from repression to partial reforms, while civil society supported for the protesters. Positively, the protests heightened awareness and triggered police reforms, and negatively, they led to economic disruptions, violence, and deepened distrust in governance. The study recommends full implementation of judicial panel reports, structural police reforms, and enhanced civic engagement to address systemic issues. Strengthening institutional accountability remains essential to restoring public trust and preventing future unrest.