The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations made in a recent 34-page report by Amnesty International.
The report accuses the police of excessive force, unlawful arrests, and culpability in protester deaths during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
In a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described the claims as “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports.”
ACP Adejobi said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasized that officers were instructed to adhere to strict guidelines, prohibiting the use of arms during protests.
He further stated that arms were deployed only in situations where demonstrations escalated into riots, threatening lives and property, and even then, engagement was limited to specialized units.
The police detailed several incidents during the protests to counter Amnesty International’s claims:
It said in Borno state, four deaths and 34 injuries were attributed to suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP operatives detonating an IED amid the protests.
The statement revealed that in Kano and other states, protesters destroyed property and attacked law enforcement personnel, prompting the use of tear gas.
The statement highlighted that all seven fatalities recorded during the protests were unrelated to police actions, citing incidents such as a vehicle collision with demonstrators.
The police clarified that arrests were made only against individuals committing crimes such as vandalism, arson, and robbery.
All detainees were treated lawfully, and the Federal Government later pardoned them as part of reconciliation efforts,” the statement noted.
ACP Adejobi, however, informed the public, that to address Amnesty International’s allegations, the IGP has ordered a detailed investigation into the incidents.
“Commissioners of Police in affected states have been instructed to submit comprehensive reports within a week to ensure adherence to operational standards,” he stated.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rights of citizens, promoting the rule of law, and improving its operational protocols based on objective feedback.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has emphasized its commitment to establishing a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based.
According to the government, the Nigeria Police Force fully meeting its constitutional responsibilities is a must.
This was made known at a citizens town hall engagement on strengthening community policing in Nigeria, held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State recently.
