By Abiola Olawale
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally issued a request demanding that Amnesty International withdraw and issue an apology concerning a report entitled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests.”
The NPF said the demand comes in response to Amnesty International’s allegations that the police were involved in extrajudicial killings during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024, where they claimed at least 24 people were killed in six northern states.
The NPF has described these allegations as false, misleading, and damaging to their image. The police added that it investigated the allegations and found the claims to be inconsistent with the documented incidents.
The NPF insisted that their actions during the protests adhered to established rules of engagement and they were focused on protecting citizens’ rights while maintaining security and stability.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi.
The statement reads in part: “Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.
“The NPF emphasizes that during the protests, the Police acted with restraint and professionalism, even at the highest point of provocation and violent attacks, adhering to global best practices and using minimal force where necessary. “Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the Police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters. Criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were, however, arrested and dealt with according to 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 Force further underscores that such false claims harm the reputation of the organization and demoralize its officers who risk their lives to protect the public.
“In light of these falsehoods, the NPF has demanded that Amnesty International issue a formal retraction and public apology within seven days.”
The statement warned that failure by Amnesty International to comply and act accordingly will prompt the NPF to consider legal actions to protect its reputation.
“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,” the statement added.
