No fewer than 22 police personnel were killed and many others injured during the #ENDSARS protests, the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police, Abuja has stated.
Many others were inflicted with life-threatening injuries while 205 police stations and formations were burnt, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, said on Friday.
Mba, in a statement, informed other critical private and public infrastructure were also damaged by hoodlums who hijacked the protests.
The Police said despite these unprovoked attacks, their officers never resorted to using unlawful force or shooting at the protesters.
The Police debunked a report by Amnesty International that protesters were shot at, saying they acted professionally, exercised commendable restraints and some paid the supreme price during the protests.
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The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M. A. Adamu, NPM, mni has affirmed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force acted professionally, exercised commendable restraints and some paid the supreme price for peace during the recent protests and ensuing violence in some parts of the country.
“The IGP made this observation following report by Amnesty International dated 21st October 2020 that Police personnel shot at peaceful protesters. He described the Amnesty Int’l report as untrue, misleading and contrary to all available empirical evidence.
“The IGP noted that during the protests, officers of the Force used legitimate means to ensure that the protests were carried out in a peaceful manner and in most cases, physically protected and walked side-by-side with the protesters.
“He reiterated that even when the protests turned violent in some parts of the country, the officers still maintained utmost restraint and did not use excessive force in managing the situations.
