PEACE AYEVBOSA EDOMWONYI

The #EndSARS protests of 2020 in Nigeria marked a significant moment in the country’s contemporary socio-political history, characterized by widespread youth-led demonstrations against police brutality and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This study examines the impact of social media on the mobilization, coordination, and visibility of the #EndSARS protests. Drawing on secondary data from news reports, online posts, and existing literature, the study explores how platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp were used to disseminate information, share eyewitness accounts, raise funds, and coordinate protest activities in real time. Findings indicate that social media played a critical role in amplifying the movement beyond physical locations, enabling rapid information flow and fostering solidarity among participants across different regions and the diaspora. Hashtags such as #EndSARS and #SARSMustEnd served as digital tools for awareness creation and agenda setting, while also attracting global attention and support. However, the study also highlights challenges, including the spread of misinformation, government responses such as internet restrictions in certain areas, and the use of social media surveillance. The study concludes that social media significantly shaped the dynamics of the #EndSARS protests by enhancing civic engagement and political participation among Nigerian youths. It recommends the responsible use of digital platforms for activism while encouraging policy reforms that protect freedom of expression and digital rights in Nigeria.