Amnesty Int’l, NPF clash over protest allegations, seek apology
Amnesty International accused the Nigerian police of excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance demonstrations.
The Nigeria Police Force demanded an immediate retraction and public apology about the publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on and Bad Governance Protests.”
They addressed Amnesty International to express their stance on the matter.
In a Tuesday statement, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the letter was dated January 6, 2025.
The NPF criticized the publication for containing numerous unsubstantiated claims that falsely accused the police of human rights violations.
The NPF specifically condemned claims of brutality and excessive violence during the August 2024 protests against the police force.
They stressed that these accusations mischaracterized the police’s actions and undermined their commitment to maintaining peace and order.
The statement declared, “Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations.” They affirmed that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.
Furthermore, the NPF emphasized that police acted with restraint and professionalism during the protests, adhering to global best practices while using minimal force where necessary.
Additionally, the NPF stated, “Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the Police’s efforts to maintain law and order.”
They highlighted their commitment to safeguarding peaceful protesters while dealing with criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests.
The police acted according to the law, reinforcing their dedication to public safety.
The Nigeria Police Force expressed concerns that the misleading publication undermines trust and confidence built with Nigerian citizens.
They highlighted that false claims harm the organization’s reputation and demoralize officers risking their lives to protect the public.
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In light of these allegations, the NPF demanded that Amnesty International issue a formal retraction and public apology within seven days.
They warned that failure to comply would prompt legal actions to protect their reputation.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians while upholding the law,” the statement said.
Their goal is to earn the trust of the people they serve.
Amnesty has previously accused the police of using excessive force during the #Endbadgovernance demonstrations.
This violence resulted in at least 24 deaths across several states.
Amnesty reported that victims suffered gunshot wounds inflicted by police.
They used live ammunition at close range, often targeting vital areas. The targeting of the head or torso indicates a clear intent to kill victims.
Survivors reported injuries from police gunfire, while others suffered from tear gas exposure, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, stated, “People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at peaceful protests.”
He warned that the death toll could be higher than reported due to authorities’ efforts to cover up atrocities.
Sanusi further urged that the Nigerian authorities must hold police accountable for using deadly force against peaceful protesters.
He criticized the police’s denials of wrongdoing, calling for an independent investigation into human rights violations during the protests.
