KEY POINTS
- Armed police deployed ahead of EndSARS memorial .
- Lekki Tollgate remains symbolic for 2020 protest victims.
- Authorities seek to maintain order, citing safety concerns.
A heavy police presence has returned to the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos as Nigeria marks the fourth anniversary of the EndSARS protest memorial on Monday morning.
Dozens of armed officers and patrol vans were seen stationed across the toll plaza and nearby routes, creating a visible atmosphere of caution. The deployment mirrors patterns from previous years, where authorities moved early to prevent gatherings around the site.
EndSARS memorial remembers rebellion led by young people
Thousands of young Nigerians protested against police brutality and extortion during the EndSARS demonstration, which started in October 2020.
The Lekki Tollgate, which used to be a symbol of trade, became the center of the movement and ultimately a place of sadness after security forces broke up the rallies there.
Since then, the site has evolved into a memorial ground where citizens gather each year to honour victims and demand justice.
Authorities tighten watch amid rising tension
Security officials have also maintained that the deployments are preventive measures to avert any breakdown of order.
In past years, similar memorials have led to tense standoffs and arrests, as youths attempted to hold peaceful processions despite restrictions.
By Monday morning, eyewitnesses reported a controlled calm, though the heavy presence of officers underscored the government’s determination to avoid disruption in one of Lagos’s busiest corridors.
