Tension erupted at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on Tuesday as police reportedly fired tear gas to disperse activists and concerned Nigerians who gathered to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests.

The protesters, who assembled at the iconic location to remember victims of the 2020 demonstrations against police brutality, were forced to flee as tear gas filled the area, disrupting the planned commemoration.

The incident sparked renewed concerns over the right of citizens to peaceful assembly and the circumstances surrounding commemorative activities at the Lekki Toll Gate, a major symbol of the #EndSARS movement.

The October 2020 protests attracted nationwide and international attention, with young Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality and the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The reported police action on Tuesday has once again brought the legacy of the #EndSARS movement into focus, as Nigerians reflect on the demands for police accountability, justice for victims and lasting reforms in law enforcement.

Further details on the number of protesters affected, possible arrests and the official position of the police were not immediately available.