Nigerian Police Demands Apology, Retraction From Amnesty International Over Protest Report

By Onoja Baba , Nigeria 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has called on Amnesty International to retract and publicly apologize for a report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on End Bad Governance Protests.”

The demand was made through a formal letter dated January 6, 2025, signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.

The controversial publication accused the Police of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive use of force during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests.

However, the NPF has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as unfounded and unsubstantiated.

In a statement released on January 14, the NPF emphasized that its personnel acted with restraint and professionalism throughout the protests, even in the face of provocation and violent attacks.

The statement highlighted that minimal force was employed only when necessary, in line with global best practices, and that criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were lawfully apprehended.

The Police stressed that national media coverage supports their claims of maintaining law and order while safeguarding the rights of peaceful protesters.

They further noted that the publication by Amnesty International undermines public trust and morale within the Police Force, potentially damaging the reputation of officers who risk their lives daily to ensure public safety.

The NPF has given Amnesty International a seven-day ultimatum to issue a formal apology and retract the publication, failing which the Force will explore legal options to protect its reputation.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, upholding the law, and building trust withthe Nigerian people.