The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed Amnesty International’s recent report accusing the police of extrajudicial killings during the #EndBadGovernance protests. Labeling the claims as “false, misleading, and damaging,” the police have demanded an immediate retraction and apology from the international human rights organization.
Amnesty Report Sparks Controversy
Amnesty International’s report, titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, alleges that at least 24 people were killed in six northern states during the protests. The report, published on November 28, 2024, claims that the Nigeria police used excessive force, including grenades, leading to civilian deaths.
In response, the Nigeria Police refuted these allegations, stating that their investigations contradict Amnesty International’s claims.Nigeria Police Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, emphasized the inaccuracies in the report, accusing Amnesty International of sensationalism. He noted that a special investigative panel was established to verify the allegations, working alongside commissioners of police from the affected states.
“Amnesty International is advised to ensure its reports are accurate and represent events fairly. False allegations undermine trust in law enforcement institutions and jeopardize national security,” Adejobi said.
Nigeria Police Findings Contradict Amnesty’s Claims
During the press briefing, Adejobi detailed the findings from investigations conducted in the affected states. In Borno State, he highlighted incidents of violent protests that involved looting and destruction of public and private properties, including facilities belonging to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the World Food Programme.
Contrary to Amnesty’s claims, Adejobi stated that allegations of Nigeria police using grenades were baseless. “The assertion that the police threw a hand grenade into a filling station, killing three persons, is a blatant falsehood,” he declared.
Similarly, in Niger State, Nigeria police investigations disproved claims that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja. In Katsina State, the alleged killing of a 21-year-old was also found to be unsubstantiated, with local sources confirming no such incident occurred.
Rebuttals from Other States
The Nigeria police also rejected claims of killings in Kaduna, Jigawa, and Kano States. Adejobi clarified that no protests occurred in Kaduna on October 1, 2024, as alleged, and no police-related deaths were recorded. Instead, an unrelated incident involving the Nigerian Army was investigated separately.
In Jigawa State, Amnesty International’s report of three fatalities was also discredited. Investigations revealed only one death, which resulted from protester violence, not police action.
In Kano State, where Amnesty reported 12 deaths, Adejobi said the fatalities were linked to violent confrontations involving looters and criminals, not police actions. He reiterated the police’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring public safety.
Nigeria Police Demand Accountability from Amnesty International
The Nigeria Police Force has called on Amnesty International to retract its report and issue a public apology for the inaccuracies. “We urge Amnesty International to uphold the principles of fairness and integrity in its reporting. Sensationalism damages public confidence in law enforcement and undermines efforts to maintain national security,” Adejobi stated.
The Nigeria police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order. Adejobi urged the public to disregard sensational reports designed to incite mistrust in law enforcement institutions.
The controversy highlights the need for accurate and responsible reporting, especially on issues involving national security and public safety. As the debate unfolds, all eyes remain on Amnesty International’s response to the Nigeria police’s demands.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
