Police Dispute Amnesty International’s Claims on #EndBadGovernance Protests
The Nigeria Police Force has refuted allegations made in a report by Amnesty International, which accused the police of human rights abuses during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. Addressing journalists at the Force Headquarters, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the report as misleading and inconsistent with police records.
The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” accused the police of killing at least 24 protesters across six northern states. Amnesty International claimed that excessive force was employed, leading to unlawful killings.
Following the release of the report on November 28, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, constituted a special investigation panel to verify the allegations. Commissioners of Police in the affected states also conducted independent inquiries.
Borno State
Amnesty International alleged the police threw a grenade into a Maiduguri filling station, killing three attendants. However, the police clarified that the deaths resulted from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by unidentified persons. The Force reiterated that it does not use explosive grenades in its operations.
Niger State
Claims of three protesters killed in Suleja were found to be false. Police investigations revealed no deaths or injuries during the protests in the area.
Katsina State
Allegations of a protester shot dead in Katsina were debunked, with police confirming no record of killings in the community during the protests.
Kaduna State
Amnesty’s report alleged a shooting in Zaria by the police. Investigations revealed the incident involved the military, which has since taken responsibility.
Jigawa State
Amnesty claimed two female protesters and a male protester were killed by police. However, the Force’s findings attributed the male victim’s death to injuries caused by violent protesters, while the female deaths were unverified.
Kano State
Amnesty reported 12 deaths in Kano. Police records indicate that these deaths were unrelated to police actions, with several caused by property owners defending their businesses or criminal elements exploiting the protests.
The police criticized Amnesty International for relying on unverified local sources without corroborating facts with official channels. ACP Adejobi described the report as an attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force internationally.
The Force reiterated its dedication to upholding human rights, emphasizing that officers are trained to handle protests in line with international standards. ACP Adejobi stated that minimum force was used during the protests, and allegations of excessive force or arbitrary arrests are unfounded.
The Force emphasized its preparedness to manage peaceful protests while preventing violence. The leadership assured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
The Nigeria Police Force called on international organizations, including Amnesty International, to ensure objectivity and fairness in their reports. The police remain resolute in their efforts to protect lives and property while respecting democratic rights.
