IGP Orders Probe into Amnesty Report Alleging Police Killings During August Protests

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a comprehensive investigation into claims by Amnesty International accusing the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of excessive force during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of 24 people, including two children.

In its report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests”, Amnesty alleged that officers fired live ammunition at close range, targeting the head or torso of protesters in six states, including Borno, Kaduna, and Kano. The report also highlighted instances of suffocation from tear gas and accused authorities of covering up deaths.

Amnesty Nigeria's Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the alleged actions, stating, “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.” The organization called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigation into these alleged violations.

Responding to the allegations, NPF Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the report as “unfounded and misleading,” asserting that police officers followed strict rules of engagement.

Official Response from the Police

Adejobi detailed isolated incidents during the protests that contributed to the casualties, which he argued were unrelated to police actions.

In Borno, four individuals were killed, and 34 others injured in a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP attack involving an improvised explosive device (IED).

In another incident, two fatalities occurred when a vehicle rammed into protesters.

Adejobi insisted these incidents, along with others in Kano, Kaduna, and Niger, were misrepresented in the Amnesty report. “The use of tear gas was a lawful and globally accepted practice for dispersing unruly crowds,” he said, denying that live ammunition was used by officers.

Police Commitment to Accountability

IGP Egbetokun has mandated state commissioners to submit detailed reports within a week to identify any deviations from standard operating procedures. “This directive aims to ensure accountability and uphold the fundamental rights of citizens,” the police statement read.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government reportedly pardoned individuals arrested during the protests, signalling a commitment to reconciliation.

This development underscores ongoing tensions between civil society organizations and security forces in Nigeria, raising questions about the balance between public order and the protection of human rights during protests.

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