The Nigeria Police Force has demanded a retraction and public apology from Amnesty International over claims of brutality during the August 2024 protests.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally demanded that Amnesty International retract its accusations of human rights violations, brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.
The Force has requested a public apology from the human rights group following what it describes as “unsubstantiated” claims published by Amnesty in a report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on and Bad Governance Protests.”
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In a statement released on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the Nigeria Police had sent a letter to Amnesty International on 6th January 2025, disputing the allegations made in the report.
According to the NPF, Amnesty’s claims were thoroughly reviewed, and it was concluded that they were “entirely false and without foundation.”
The police force emphasised that its officers acted with restraint and professionalism during the nationwide protests, which occurred from 1st to 10th August 2024.
Despite facing provocation and violent attacks from certain protestors, the NPF maintains that it adhered to global best practices, using minimal force when necessary.
“The NPF acted with the utmost restraint, and evidence, including media coverage, illustrates our commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting peaceful protesters,” said Adejobi.
“While we ensured the safety of peaceful demonstrators, criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were lawfully apprehended.”
Amnesty International, in its report, alleged that police operatives used excessive force during the protests, particularly in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger states, where it claimed at least 24 individuals were extra-judicially killed. The NPF, however, asserts that these claims are false and have no basis in fact.
The police further stated that the report by Amnesty International undermines the public trust the NPF has worked tirelessly to build with Nigerian citizens and residents.
The NPF also expressed concern that such false accusations tarnish the reputation of the Force and demoralise officers who risk their lives to ensure public safety.
As a result, the Nigeria Police Force is demanding a formal retraction and public apology from Amnesty International within seven days. The Force warned that failure to comply would prompt legal action to protect its reputation.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians and upholding the law,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the NPF’s dedication to earning the trust of the Nigerian people.
