The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Amnesty International, demanding a retraction and public apology for its report on the #EndBadGovernance protests, or face legal action.
LEADERSHIP recalls that In November 2024, Amnesty published a report titled ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’. The report alleged that at least 24 protesters were killed and 1,200 arrested during the nationwide demonstrations.
In response, the police launched an investigation through a special panel constituted by the Inspector-General of Police in December 2024. The panel concluded that the claims in Amnesty’s report were “false.”
The NPF spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that a letter was sent to Amnesty on January 6, 2025, demanding a retraction and apology for the report.
“The NPF emphasises 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,” Adejobi stated.
He added that the police relied on evidence, including national media coverage, to demonstrate their efforts to maintain law and order while protecting peaceful protesters. According to Adejobi, criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were arrested and dealt with according to the law.
Adejobi expressed concern that Amnesty’s report undermined the trust and confidence the police had worked to build with citizens.
“This misleading publication harms the reputation of the organization and demoralizes its officers who risk their lives to protect the public,” the statement read.
The NPF emphasised that failure by Amnesty to comply with their demands would leave them no choice but to pursue legal action to protect the force’s reputation.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which spanned August 1-10, 2024, were driven by economic hardship, hunger, and frustration with governance. The demonstrations were largely peaceful but turned violent in parts of northern Nigeria, where some protesters were seen waving Russian flags and public offices were looted.
While Amnesty’s report accused the government of using excessive force, the police maintained that their actions during the protests adhered to global standards, even in the face of violent provocations.
