By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has denied reports and social media claims suggesting that security operatives fired live ammunition to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Abuja on Monday.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CPS Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that security personnel deployed to the protest scene, utilized only tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The police denial comes amidst widespread reports from eyewitnesses and some media outlets alleging the sound of gunshots during clashes between demonstrators and security forces in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The protest, organized under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanu, drew activists and supporters, resulting in significant traffic disruption and a heavy security presence.
However, Hundeyin, who spoke during an interview with Channels Television, asserted that the Police never fired live bullets.
He said the police only used teargas to disperse demonstrators who attempted to breach areas restricted by a court order.
He stated: “I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition.
“It is easy for people who are not familiar with the sound to mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition.
“It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot.”
Hundeyin said officers resorted to teargas only after protesters ignored repeated warnings and attempted to enter prohibited locations.
“We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant and they were approaching these areas,” he said.
According to Hundeyin, the operatives acted in line with established procedures to ensure public safety.
“We just conformed to standard operating procedures and we decided to use minimal force — force that is commensurate with the resistance we were getting,” he added.
Recall that on Monday, police emptied teargas canisters on commuters at the Central Business District of Abuja as activists assembled to commence the protest.
The protest is being spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and ex-presidential candidate.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021.
The IPOB leader has been on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
