The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has expressed concern over demonstrations by Nigerian youth calling for police reform, particularly the abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.

The unit stands accused of misconduct by those demonstrating. The demonstrations have turned violent.

The regional body has called on all protesters to remain peaceful in the conduct of their demonstrations. 

It said while citizens have the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and protests, those rights should be exercised in a non-violent manner. 

Meanwhile, the regional body is calling on Nigerian security operatives to exercise restraint in the handling of the protests and act professionally.