This study provides a pragmatic analysis of the speech acts present in President Muhammadu Buhari’s address during the #EndSARS protests of October 2020. Grounded in J.L. Austin’s Speech Act Theory, the research explores how locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts were employed to convey, perform, and elicit actions and reactions. Through a descriptive qualitative methodology, the speech was analyzed to determine its effectiveness in addressing public grievances and its broader impact on Nigerian youth. Findings reveal that while the speech contained elements of Austin’s speech acts, including appeals, assertions, and subtle warnings, its reception by the youth was predominantly negative. Historical context, including previous speeches perceived as dismissive of Nigerian youth, influenced the audience’s response, resulting in heightened tensions and continued unrest. The analysis underscores the critical role of language in governance and public communication, highlighting how linguistic choices can shape societal reactions. The research concludes that President Buhari’s speech, while linguistically aligned with speech act theory, failed to achieve its intended conciliatory effect, instead amplifying dissatisfaction among the youth.