The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has officially refuted allegations made by Amnesty International in its report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” released on November 28, 2024. During a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the claims as “false, misleading, and unsubstantiated.”
The Amnesty International report accused the police of excessive force and the killing of 24 individuals in six northern states during the protests held in August 2024. However, the NPF’s findings, based on independent investigations, contradict these allegations.
Key Findings of the Investigation
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Borno State
Amnesty International alleged that three individuals were killed by a grenade thrown from a police vehicle in Maiduguri. The NPF clarified that the deaths were caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at a filling station. The police emphasized that they do not use hand grenades in their operations, labeling the claim as “false and inflammatory.” Investigations further revealed three separate IED explosions during the protests, causing injuries and fatalities unrelated to police actions.
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Niger State
The report claimed that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja. Investigations confirmed that no killings were recorded in the area on the said date. The NPF criticized Amnesty International for relying on unverified media reports.
Katsina State
A 21-year-old man was reportedly killed by police in Katsina. The NPF debunked this claim, noting that no incidents of killings were reported in the area on the specified date.
Kaduna State
Amnesty International alleged the killing of a protester on October 1, 2024, in Kaduna. The NPF stated there were no protests on that date. A separate incident involving a military patrol and the accidental shooting of a civilian was misrepresented in the report.
Jigawa State
The report alleged the police killed two women and a man during protests. Investigations revealed the man died after being struck by objects hurled by protesters, while the claims of police-related fatalities were found to be baseless.
Kano State
Amnesty International alleged that 12 people were killed by police during protests. While 12 fatalities were reported, the deaths were attributed to violence by looters, vigilantes, and criminal elements, not the police.
Denial of Excessive Force
The NPF firmly denied allegations of excessive force during the protests, emphasizing its commitment to international human rights standards. Officers were deployed to protect protesters, maintain order, and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the demonstrations. The police reiterated that firearms were not used against protesters, and detentions were conducted within the bounds of the law.
Response to Amnesty International
The NPF criticized Amnesty International for what it described as “unethical and inaccurate reporting.” The police noted discrepancies and falsehoods in the report, urging the organization to adhere to ethical standards in future reports.
The NPF emphasized its commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while ensuring public safety. The Force accused Amnesty International of sensationalism and announced plans to demand a retraction and public apology from the organization.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its dedication to protecting lives and property while safeguarding constitutional rights. The public was urged to disregard sensational reports designed to incite distrust in law enforcement institutions.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi concluded the briefing by reaffirming the NPF’s resolve to ensure national stability and urged Amnesty International to adopt fair and accurate reporting practices.
