Nigerian police fired tear gas to disperse citizens gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to mark the sixth anniversary of the EndSARS protests.
Tension flared up heavily at the famous Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as armed police officers fired canisters of tear gas to scatter peaceful citizens, human rights activists, and political figures who gathered to mark the sixth anniversary of the historic #EndSARS protests.
The memorial gathering was organized by concerned Nigerians to remember those who lost their lives during the nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and bad governance that shook the country in October 2020.
As heavy smoke filled the air, the crowd was forced to run for safety, disrupting the planned memorial program meant to honor fallen youths.
The annual memorial event brings back painful memories of October 20, 2020, when young Nigerians trooped out to demand an end to the brutal police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Over the years, the Lekki Toll Gate has remained a deeply symbolic location for citizens seeking justice, accountability, and total reform of the country’s security architecture.
Despite the heavy security presence and police attempts to stop public assemblies at the venue, several prominent political figures and activists still showed up to identify with the people.
Noting the important personalities present at the scene to honor the memory of fallen protesters, media reports confirmed: “Among those who gathered at the toll gate were the Lagos State governorship candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funso Doherty, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.”
As police officers shot tear gas into the air to force people away from the toll plaza, protesters scampered in different directions to escape the stinging smoke.
Describing how the police action disrupted the solemn event and forced people to abandon the grounds, news correspondents reported: “The protesters were forced to flee as tear gas filled the area, disrupting the planned commemoration.”
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Even though the police cleared the area and restored calm after the commotion, civil rights groups and participating activists made it clear that police intimidation will not stop them from remembering their heroes.
Emphasizing their commitment to keeping the memory of the victims alive and fighting for a better nation, the activists stated: “Despite the disruption, the activists vowed to continue the struggle for justice and police reforms that inspired the #EndSARS protests, while keeping alive the memory of those who died.”
Political observers and human rights advocates have continued to express worry over the repeated use of force by security agencies to stop citizens from gathering peacefully to remember historical national events.
Highlighting the growing public anxiety surrounding civil liberties and freedom of speech in the country, media analysts noted: “Six years after the protests, the incident has renewed concerns about citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”
Security operatives remained stationed around the Lekki Toll Gate axis for hours after the incident to monitor movement and prevent further gatherings.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
