The Nigeria Police Force has strongly denied allegations in Amnesty International’s report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, describing the claims as baseless, misleading, and harmful to the image of the Force.
The report, published on November 28, 2024, accused the police of extrajudicial killings during the August 1-10 #hunger protests, alleging that 24 people were killed across six northern states.
The police, however, have rejected these claims, citing findings from an investigative panel as evidence.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, revealed that a special panel, working with state Commissioners of Police, conducted thorough investigations into the allegations.
The panel’s findings, Adejobi said, discredited Amnesty’s report.
“Amnesty International is advised to have retrospection on its frequently false reporting on Nigerian’s Law Enforcement activities and reflect on its reporting methodology by ensuring that its reports are accurate and contain a true and fair expression of events that touch on national security and safety of all Nigerians.
“Accurate reporting of facts is key to the integrity and character of every international organisation and Amnesty International should not be an exception,” Adejobi stated.
He also announced that the police would formally demand a retraction and public apology from Amnesty International, warning the public against sensational reports designed to erode trust in law enforcement.
Findings from Affected States
In Borno State, Adejobi debunked claims that police used grenades against protesters. He noted that the protests in Maiduguri were marked by looting and vandalism, including the destruction of UNHCR and World Food Programme facilities. The allegation that police threw a grenade into a filling station, killing three people, was dismissed as false.
Adejobi said, “In Borno State, it was established that the protesters were violent, engaging in widespread looting, pillaging, and wanton destruction of public and private property. For example, the Skill Acquisition Centre of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees was looted and vandalised. The warehouse of the World Food Programme, located on Baga/Maimalari Barracks Road, Maiduguri, was also looted, with several items belonging to the international organisation destroyed and stolen by some of the protesters.
“Therefore, the claims by Amnesty International that the police threw a hand grenade from a convoy of vehicles into a filling station, killing three persons is a blatant falsehood and leaves right-thinking members of the society dismayed at this reported falsehood by an international agency which ought to act in accordance with international norms and standard of fair and honest reporting of human rights violations in the country.”
In Niger State, police investigations found no evidence to support claims that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja.
In Katsina State, the alleged killing of a 21-year-old protester was also disproved, with local sources confirming no such incident occurred.
In Kaduna State, Adejobi refuted Amnesty’s claim of police killings on October 1, 2024, clarifying that no protests were recorded in the state on that date.
He attributed the incident cited by Amnesty to the Nigerian Army, which had already been investigated.
In Jigawa State, Amnesty reported the deaths of two women and a man during protests. However, police findings revealed no such killings, attributing a single fatality to violence among protesters themselves.
In Kano State, Amnesty alleged 12 deaths resulting from police actions. Adejobi stated that investigations showed these fatalities stemmed from clashes involving looters and criminals, not the police.
Call for Accountability
The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order.
Adejobi urged Amnesty International to adhere to international standards of fair and accurate reporting, emphasizing that false accusations undermine both the credibility of the organisation and public trust in law enforcement.
Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force will in due time be writing the Amnesty International to demand a retraction of this report from the public space and with a public apology.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring the security and stability of the nation. We, therefore, urge the public to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions.”