The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is threatening legal action against the Amnesty International, (AI) if the world body fails to retract and apologize for allegations of excessive force and human rights violations against the force during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that a letter dated 6 January 2025, titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on Bad Governance Protests,” had been sent to the human rights organisation.
According to the statement, the NPF accused Amnesty International of publishing unsubstantiated claims that falsely portrayed the police as perpetrators of brutality and excessive violence during the protests held in August 2024.
“Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.”
The police maintained that officers had acted with professionalism and restraint throughout the protests, even when faced with provocation and violent attacks.
The statement, added that their actions adhered to global best practices, with minimal force applied only when necessary. The NPF cited national media coverage as evidence of their efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters, adding that criminal elements who sought to exploit the protests were arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force strongly believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence it has worked diligently to build with Nigerian citizens and residents.”
The NPF expressed concerns that the publication tarnished its reputation and demoralised officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public.
It demanded that Amnesty International retract the publication and issue a formal apology within seven days, warning that failure to comply could prompt legal action to defend the organisation’s integrity.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its duty of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, upholding the law, and earning the trust of the people it serves.”
Amnesty International’s report alleged that police officers fired live ammunition at protesters at close range, often aiming at the head or torso, suggesting intent to kill.
It claimed that two survivors sustained injuries to their arms and legs, while others suffered suffocation from the indiscriminate use of tear gas.
“People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at peaceful protests. The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities.
“Peaceful protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
Sanusi called on the Nigerian government to hold police and other security agencies accountable for their actions. He further urged President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent and impartial investigation into the alleged human rights violations during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
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