Heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua has commended Nigerians for speaking out against operatives of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS).

Over the past few days, celebrities have joined their fans to protest multiple attacks, extortion, and harassment dealt on citizens by the police unit.

Adamu Mohammed, the inspector-general of police, had announced the disbandment of the unit as the protest gained the attention of the international community.

Yet, the movement had shifted focus from SARS to the much broader fight against police brutality in the country.

Taking to his Twitter account to join the public figures who have spoken against the police unit, Joshua also lauded organisations who have lobbied against SARS and activists who have made donations to that effect.

“Well done to all the Nigerians who have been protesting against SARS; those who made donations to fund organisations lobbying against it,” the boxer wrote in his post on Monday.

“Those who have recently been informed & took time to educate themselves. Those with the power to make a change. Praying for Nigeria.”

Earlier, roads in the Lekki, Surulere, and Ikeja areas of Lagos were shut as protesters called for reform of the police. Two persons were later said to have been killed after they shot by security operatives.

This had come a day after the police in Abuja dispersed protesters with live bullets, water cannons, and tear gas.