Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has directed a thorough investigation into allegations of police involvement in the deaths and arrests of protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August 2024.
Amnesty International had recently released a report accusing the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators between August 1 and 10. The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests," claimed at least 24 people, including two children and an elderly individual, were killed in states such as Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger. Amnesty alleged that police fired live ammunition at close range, often aiming for the head or torso, while others were injured or suffocated by tear gas.
Amnesty International’s Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigation into the alleged human rights violations, asserting that the use of deadly force on peaceful protesters demonstrates a disregard for human life.
In response, NPF spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi refuted the claims, describing them as unfounded and inconsistent with reports submitted by police commands. The NPF emphasized that its officers followed established rules of engagement, providing security for peaceful protests and using force only in instances where protests escalated into violent riots.
The police cited alternative explanations for some fatalities during the protests, including attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State and a vehicular incident in another location. They maintained that no live ammunition was fired at protesters and arrests were limited to individuals involved in criminal acts like vandalism, looting, and arson.
IGP Egbetokun has instructed Commissioners of Police in affected states to submit comprehensive reports within a week to ensure a transparent review of police conduct. The NPF reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights, adhering to the rule of law, and maintaining operational professionalism.
