The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an investigation into an allegation of the Nigeria Police Force’s culpability in the deaths and arrests of protesters during the August End Bad Governance nationwide protest.

Amnesty had in a briefing published a few days ago, accused NPF of “using excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance demonstrations between 1-10 August, killing at least 24 people in the states of: Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger.”

In the briefing titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests”, Amnesty said those killed included 20 young people, an older person and two children.

“In all cases the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by 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.

“The Nigerian authorities must hold the police and other security agencies to account for unleashing deadly force on people who did not constitute an imminent threat to lives. It is shocking that police have engaged in flagrant denials of wrongdoing despite public evidence to the contrary, and this speaks to their utter disregard for the sanctity of human lives. President Bola Tinubu must constitute an independent and impartial investigation of human rights violations during the #Endbadgovernance protests.”

Responding in a press release by NPF’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi in Abuja on Monday, said the allegations appeared “falsified and confusing”, adding that Egbetokun had ordered an investigation into the matter.

“The Nigeria Police Force has expressed serious concern regarding a recent 34-page report released by Amnesty International, which alleges police culpability in the deaths and arrests of protesters, and the use of excessive force during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.

“The Force categorically refutes these allegations as unfounded, misleading, and inconsistent with incident reports submitted to the office of the Inspector-General of Police by affected Commands.

“The Force wishes to reiterate that throughout the protests, it operated in compliance with established rules of engagement, including providing security for peaceful protesters.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, had issued clear directives to all Commissioners of Police on managing the protests, emphasizing that officers should not deploy arms to manage protests. Instead, arms were only to be used when protests escalated into riots involving loss of lives and damage to property.

“Even then, engagement with armed protesters was limited strictly to specialized armed units to restore order. The Nigeria Police Force recorded several unpalatable incidents during the protests, which were accurately documented and publicly shared.

“For example, in Borno State, 4 individuals tragically lost their lives, and 34 others sustained severe injuries following an attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP operatives who infiltrated the protest and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

“Similarly, in another isolated incident, an unregistered vehicle rammed into protesters, resulting in 2 fatalities. These events, which accounted for the total of 7 recorded deaths during the protests, were not caused by police actions.

“Furthermore, in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Niger States, some protesters displayed foreign flags, destroyed public and private property, and attacked police personnel deployed to ensure their safety.

“The Police Force had to employ strategic measures, including the lawful use of tear gas, to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety. The use of tear gas is a globally accepted practice for dispersing unruly crowds and was applied judiciously without recourse to live ammunition.

“It is important to state that the police did not fire live ammunition nor cause the death of any protester. Officers demonstrated professionalism, restraint, and adherence to constitutional and international standards, even when subjected to attacks and injuries.

Petty traders are seen at the Katsina Hajj Camp Roundabout in Katsina State on Day 3 of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

“Arrests made during the protests targeted individuals engaging in criminal acts such as treason, vandalism, robbery, arson, and looting. These arrests were conducted lawfully, and those detained were treated within the ambit of the law. In a gesture of magnanimity, the Federal Government has since granted pardon to the individuals arrested during the protests despite the severity of their offenses, evidencing its commitment to reconciliation and national unity.

“In response to Amnesty International’s allegations, the IGP has directed a comprehensive investigation into the claims.

“Commissioners of Police in the affected states have been mandated to submit further detailed reports on the incidents within one week.

“This directive aims to identify any deviation from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules of engagement, irrespective of the security agencies involved.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding the fundamental rights of all citizens, promoting the rule of law, and improving its operational standards based on constructive and objective feedback.”

Peter Obi
Protesters march escorted by Nigerian security forces during a mourning vigil in Ikeja, Lagos, on August 9, 2024.