The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly refuted the allegations contained in Amnesty International’s report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests,” released on November 28, 2024.
In a media briefing held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the report as misleading, inaccurate, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the police and incite public discontent.
Amnesty International’s Allegations
The report accused the police of killing 24 people in six northern states during the August 2024 protests. It specifically alleged that the police used hand grenades and live rounds against unarmed protesters, citing cases in Borno, Niger, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Kano states.
Police Investigation and Findings
In response to the allegations, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun ordered an independent and comprehensive investigation, forming a special panel and directing state Commissioners of Police to verify Amnesty’s claims. The findings, as presented by ACP Adejobi, are as follows:
Borno State:
Amnesty International claimed that three fuel attendants—Nasiru Mustapha, Amodu Garba Maina, and Momodu Hassan—were killed by a police convoy throwing a hand grenade into a filling station. However, the police revealed that these individuals were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at the station by unknown individuals. “The Nigeria Police Force does not possess or utilize explosive hand grenades in its operations,” Adejobi clarified.
Niger State:
The report alleged that three people were shot and killed in Suleja. Police investigations, supported by credible local sources, confirmed that no deaths occurred during the protests in Niger State. “For an international agency to publish such baseless allegations is both unethical and disappointing,” Adejobi stated.
Katsina State:
Amnesty claimed that a 21-year-old man was killed by police on August 5, 2024. However, police and local community findings showed no record of such an incident.
Kaduna State:
The report alleged the police killed a 24-year-old tailor during protests. The police clarified that the individual died from a military patrol’s accidental discharge, with the Nigerian Army taking responsibility and conducting an open investigation.
Jigawa State:
Amnesty alleged that two women and a man were killed by police. Verified reports confirmed that the man died from injuries caused by violent protesters hurling objects, not by police action.
Kano State:
While Amnesty reported that 12 protesters were killed, police investigations revealed that deaths resulted from criminal activities and property owners defending themselves against looters. No deaths were attributed to police action.
Police Protocols and Amnesty’s Misrepresentation
ACP Adejobi emphasized the NPF’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law. “Contrary to Amnesty’s claims, the police employed minimum force to protect lives and properties, as prescribed by international standards,” he said. He also highlighted the police’s adherence to UN Human Rights Council protocols on peaceful protest facilitation, which emphasize protecting peaceful protesters and using force only when absolutely necessary.
Call for Retraction
The police condemned Amnesty International’s report as “false, misleading, and a clear attempt to misrepresent the actions of law enforcement.” Adejobi announced plans to demand a public retraction and apology from Amnesty International.
Conclusion
The police urged the public to disregard sensational reports and maintain confidence in the institution. “Accurate reporting is key to the integrity of any international organization. Amnesty International must reflect on its methodology and ensure that its reports are fair, balanced, and true to events,” Adejobi concluded.
