By Karen James
In Abuja, December 22, 2024 The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly refuted allegations made by Amnesty International (AI) in its recent report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests.” During a media briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, criticized the report, describing it as “false, misleading, and a blatant misrepresentation of facts.”
Amnesty International’s report, released on November 28, 2024, alleged that police actions during the protests led to the deaths of at least 24 individuals across six northern states. However, the police investigation, which involved a special panel and independent inquiries by Commissioners of Police in the affected states, found no evidence to support these claims.
Key Findings of the Investigation
1. Borno State Allegations:
Amnesty International claimed that police threw a hand grenade into a Maiduguri filling station, killing three individuals. The police investigation revealed that the deaths resulted from an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by unknown persons. The victims were not part of the protests.
2. Suleja, Niger State:
Amnesty International alleged police killings of three protesters. The police investigation confirmed that no such incidents occurred, and local authorities corroborated this finding.
3. Katsina and Kaduna States:
Allegations of police shootings in these states were also refuted. Verified records indicated no fatalities linked to police actions. In one instance, the Nigerian Army admitted responsibility for a separate incident involving a warning shot that unintentionally caused a fatality.
4. Jigawa State:
Amnesty International claimed that police killed three individuals during protests. The police investigation found that one of the alleged victims died from injuries caused by rioters, not police action.
5. Kano State:
While reports of 12 deaths were noted, the police emphasized that none were attributable to their officers. Protesters armed with AK-47 rifles were among those arrested during violent riots, with recovered evidence confirming the involvement of criminal elements.
Police Response to Amnesty International’s Claims
ACP Adejobi criticized Amnesty International for its reliance on unverified sources and its failure to adhere to ethical reporting standards. “For an international organization to base its findings on disputed reports without verification is deeply concerning,” he said.
The NPF highlighted its commitment to human rights and adherence to international protocols during public protests. ACP Adejobi emphasized that officers were trained to manage protests using minimum force and in compliance with the United Nations Human Rights Council’s guidelines on facilitating peaceful assemblies.
Next Steps
The police announced plans to demand a public retraction and apology from Amnesty International for its report, which the force described as “sensational and damaging.”
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring public safety and security,” ACP Adejobi stated, urging the public to disregard unverified reports designed to undermine trust in law enforcement.
The briefing concluded with a renewed call for accurate and balanced reporting from international organizations to avoid misrepresentations that could incite public mistrust or unrest.
