The Nigeria Police Force has strongly contested a report by Amnesty International that accused the agency of using excessive force against #EndBadGovernance protesters in August, claiming that 24 individuals were killed and over 100 others, including minors, were detained.
Amnesty International published its findings in a report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests” on November 28, 2024.
In a press briefing held in Abuja on Sunday, Police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the claims made by Amnesty International do not align with the records maintained by the Nigeria Police. He emphasized that all incidents of violence during the protests had been documented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“It is surprising to see such unfounded claims in Amnesty International’s report that contradict what was actually recorded during the protests,” Adejobi remarked.
In response to the report, the Inspector-General of Police ordered a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations. A special investigation panel was formed with a deadline to submit its findings. Additionally, state Commissioners of Police were instructed to verify the allegations relevant to their jurisdictions and provide detailed reports on the incidents.
Following these directives, the Commissioners conducted extensive inquiries in their areas and submitted their findings to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. The special investigation panel also visited the locations mentioned in the report, compiling their findings into a comprehensive document.
Adejobi claimed that the investigation disproved Amnesty International’s assertions, asserting there was no credible evidence supporting allegations of killings or excessive force by the police. He stated, “Contrary to claims, reports of officers firing live rounds at protesters or targeting unarmed civilians are baseless and have not been corroborated by independent investigations.”
The police maintained that while they respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression, they also have the responsibility to maintain law and order. During the protests, police officers were deployed to protect lives and property, and to prevent disruptions from individuals attempting to incite violence.
Adejobi noted that the police responded with minimum force, adhering to legal guidelines, and that any detentions and prosecutions were conducted within lawful frameworks.
The Nigeria Police Force plans to formally request a retraction and public apology from Amnesty International regarding the report. Adejobi urged the public to be cautious of sensational reports that could undermine trust in law enforcement agencies, reiterating the police’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights while ensuring national security and stability.
