The Nigeria Police Force has faulted a report by the Amnesty International which accused the security agency of using maximum force against #EndBadGovernance protesters in August, killing 24 persons and detaining more than 100 persons including minors.
Amnesty International had made the allegations in a report it released on November 28 2024, titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests.”
But the Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, said the claims in the report were at variance with the records available to the Nigeria Police.
He said all recorded incidents of violence during the protests were documented by the police in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that the records are available at both the Department of Operations and the Department of Research and Planning of the Nigeria Police Force.
“It is, therefore, surprising to see in Amnesty International’s report such unfounded claims that contradicted what was actually recorded during the protests,” he added.
- Tinubu cancels events to honour victims of Abuja, Anambra stampedes
- Oyo, Abuja, Anambra stampedes signs of Nigeria’s systemic failures –Obi
Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, in response to the report, directed a comprehensive and independent investigation into these allegations made therein.
He said, “To this end, a special investigation panel was immediately constituted and given a deadline to submit its findings. The IGP also mandated Commissioners of Police in the states mentioned in the report to verify the allegations as they pertain to their states and to submit additional reports on the incidents.
“Following these directives, the Commissioners of Police in the affected states conducted extensive inquiries in their localities and submitted their findings to the Inspector-General of Police. Copies of these findings were sent to the special investigation panel. Furthermore, members of the panel visited the affected states and areas mentioned in the report, compiling their findings in a comprehensive document submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, FSSP, NEAPS.”
Adejobi, who said the findings proved the Amnesty International’s report to be false, also denied the allegations of excessive use of force as claimed by the organisation.
“While the NPF respects and recognizes the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, it is equally charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order. During the #EndBadGovernance protests, police officers were deployed to safeguard protesters, protect lives and property, and prevent disruptions caused by infiltrators seeking to hijack the demonstrations.
“Contrary to Amnesty International’s claims, there is no credible evidence to support allegations of killings or excessive use of force by the police. Reports of officers firing live rounds at protesters or targeting unarmed civilians are baseless and were not corroborated by independent investigations.
“Evidence available to the NPF indicates that certain elements infiltrated the protests with the intention of inciting violence, destroying public property, and endangering public safety. The police responded with minimum force without the use of fire arms to disperse such disruptive elements in accordance with legal guidelines. Detentions and prosecutions were conducted within legal frameworks, and allegations of arbitrary arrests, maltreatment, or denial of legal access are unsubstantiated,” he stated.
Adejobi noted that the Nigeria Police Force would soon write to the Amnesty International to demand a retraction of this report from the public space and with a public apology.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring the security and stability of the nation. We therefore urge the public to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions,” he added.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
