ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the use of tear gas by police officers against citizens who gathered peacefully at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on Tuesday to mark the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests.

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‎The organization said reports that police fired tear gas at participants, including activists and journalists, during a wreath-laying ceremony, raise questions about commitment to police reform.

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‎Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said it is unacceptable that citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly are subjected to intimidation and excessive force.

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‎He said peaceful remembrance is not a criminal act and the duty of the police is to protect citizens and uphold their rights, not to suppress civic expression.

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‎ActionAid called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident and ensure officers found responsible for unlawful use of force are held accountable.

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‎It also demanded full implementation of recommendations from judicial panels of inquiry set up after the 2020 protests, including accountability for rights violations and reparations for victims.