Nigeria police force refutes Amnesty International allegations over #Endbadgovernance protests
The Nigeria Police Force has rejected the findings of a recent 34-page report by Amnesty International, which accuses the police of being responsible for deaths, arrests, and the use of excessive force during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
According to a statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force dismissed the allegations as misleading, unfounded, and inconsistent with incident reports submitted by various police Commands to the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
The Force emphasized that during the protests, it adhered strictly to established rules of engagement, ensuring the safety and security of peaceful protesters.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, the statement stressed, had issued explicit directives to all Commissioners of Police, stating that firearms should not be deployed unless protests escalated into violent riots, involving loss of life and significant damage to property. In such cases, the use of force was limited to specialized armed units tasked with restoring order.
The statement reads: “Furthermore, in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Niger States, some protesters displayed foreign flags, destroyed public and private property, and attacked police personnel deployed to ensure their safety. The Police Force had to employ strategic measures, including the lawful use of tear gas, to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety. The use of tear gas is a globally accepted practice for dispersing unruly crowds and was applied judiciously without recourse to live ammunition.
“It is important to state that the police did not fire live ammunition nor cause the death of any protester. Officers demonstrated professionalism, restraint, and adherence to constitutional and international standards, even when subjected to attacks and injuries. Arrests made during the protests targeted individuals engaging in criminal acts such as treason, vandalism, robbery, arson, and looting. These arrests were conducted lawfully, and those detained were treated within the ambit of the law.
“In a gesture of magnanimity, the Federal Government has since granted pardon to the individuals arrested during the protests despite the severity of their offenses, evidencing its commitment to reconciliation and national unity.
“In response to Amnesty International’s allegations, the IGP has directed a comprehensive investigation into the claims. Commissioners of Police in the affected states have been mandated to submit further detailed reports on the incidents within one week. This directive aims to identify any deviation from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules of engagement, irrespective of the security agencies involved.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding the fundamental rights of all citizens, promoting the rule of law, and improving its operational standards based on constructive and objective feedback.”
