Police fire tear gas at protesters in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, October 20.
In photos: Nigerians protest police brutality
Police fire tear gas at protesters in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, October 20.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images

Updated 1728 GMT (0128 HKT) October 21, 2020

Protesters have been rallying across Nigeria to demand police reform and bring the government's attention to recurring police brutality.

The outcry has been a result of years of anger over the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a Nigerian police unit whose officers were accused of kidnapping, harassing and extorting young people of the West African country.

The protests led to swift change as authorities disbanded the SARS unit and replaced it with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. However, the news was met with skepticism among demonstrators who continued to march and call for a complete overhaul and reform of the police.

Although the demonstrations have been peaceful, at least 10 protesters have been killed by the police, according to the rights group Amnesty International.

People hold banners and flags as they protest in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 20.
People hold banners and flags as they protest in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 20.
Sunday Alamba/AP
Protesters gather outside the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja, Nigeria, on October 20.
Protesters gather outside the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja, Nigeria, on October 20.
Benson Ibeabuchi/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters hold hands in front of police officers during a peaceful demonstration at the Alausa Secretariat.
Protesters hold hands in front of police officers during a peaceful demonstration at the Alausa Secretariat.
Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Protesters climb a telecommunications tower during a demonstration in Abuja on Monday, October 19.
Protesters climb a telecommunications tower during a demonstration in Abuja on Monday, October 19.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images
People protest from a pedestrian bridge in Lagos on Thursday, October 15.
People protest from a pedestrian bridge in Lagos on Thursday, October 15.
Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators gesture during a protest in Lagos on October 14.
Demonstrators gesture during a protest in Lagos on October 14.
Temilade Adelaja/Reuters
Protesters lie on the road along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Protesters lie on the road along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images
A protester holds a sign during a rally in Lagos on October 14.
A protester holds a sign during a rally in Lagos on October 14.
Sunday Alamba/AP
Demonstrators block a major road in Lagos on October 14.
Demonstrators block a major road in Lagos on October 14.
Sunday Alamba/AP
A man waves the Nigerian national flag during a Lagos protest on October 13.
A man waves the Nigerian national flag during a Lagos protest on October 13.
Benson Ibeabuchi/AFP/Getty Images
A protester displays a placard in Ikeja on October 13.
A protester displays a placard in Ikeja on October 13.
Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Demonstrators rally on October 13.
Demonstrators rally on October 13.
Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto/Getty Images
People protest from a car in Ikeja on October 13.
People protest from a car in Ikeja on October 13.
Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Demonstrators talk to a police officer during a protest in Lagos on October 12.
Demonstrators talk to a police officer during a protest in Lagos on October 12.
Temilade Adelaja/Reuters
Demonstrators block the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos on October 12.
Demonstrators block the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos on October 12.
Pius Utomi EkpeiAFP/Getty Images
A protester holds up a sign near a government house in Ikeja on October 9.
A protester holds up a sign near a government house in Ikeja on October 9.
Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images