In light of the ENDSARS protest movement that occurred in 2020, there is a clear distinction between the duties of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the actions in which they execute. For a very long time, the NPF has had its powers unchecked, as police brutality has become one of the main social issues in the country over the years. This has caused an outcry and revolution by the citizens. Still, in more recent times, social media has become the primary communication tool to spearhead the campaign against police brutality in Nigeria. Based on this, the research study employed a descriptive survey research design and adopted a purposive non-probability sampling technique. The Taro Yamane formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 253. The research instrument used is a self-developed structured questionnaire. It was developed in line with the research objectives and is based on a 5-Likert-type scale questionnaire structure. The finding showed that social media is a very effective communication tool being used in the fight against police brutality. The study recommended that the Police Force should be adequately trained in relation to civilians, on how to handle criminality without necessarily engaging in brutality. The study also concluded that social media is a veritable tool in exposing and combating police atrocities, including brutality. Hence, the use of social media uncovered and exposed this ugly trend of police brutality, as well as the role social media played in creating awareness and inspiring a campaign against all forms of police brutality.
Vol. 4, No 3, pp. 102-111.