Police Deny Amnesty International’s Report On #EndBadGovernance Protest Killings

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected claims by Amnesty International that officers used live ammunition against #EndBadGovernance protesters during demonstrations in August.

In a statement on Monday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi described the report as “unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports.”

 The Amnesty report, titled Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests, alleged that security forces killed at least 24 protesters, arrested over 1,200, and subjected many to torture.

Adejobi insisted that the police adhered to established rules of engagement, providing security for peaceful demonstrations.

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 “The inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, had issued clear directives that firearms should not be deployed during protests unless they escalated into life-threatening riots,” the statement read.

The protests, fueled by widespread economic hardship, lasted 10 days and turned violent in some areas. Reports emerged of tear gas being used against protesters and journalists in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna.

Adejobi also announced that the inspector-general has ordered a comprehensive investigation into Amnesty’s allegations to verify the claims.

The police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the rights of citizens while ensuring public safety during demonstrations.