The Nigeria Police Force has written to Amnesty International (AI), demanding an immediate retraction and public apology for a publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on and Bad Governance Protests.”
In a letter dated January 6, 2025, the Nigeria police said the publication in question, which includes numerous unsubstantiated claims, falsely accuses them of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests.
The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said, “Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are false and without foundation.
“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. Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters.
However, criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were arrested and dealt with according to law.”
Adejobi stated that the Nigeria Police Force strongly believes 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 organisation’s reputation and demoralise 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. Failure to comply 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 Force PRO added.
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