Police Write Amnesty International, Demand Apology Over #EndBadGovernance Claims

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has written Amnesty International (AI), demanding an immediate retraction and public apology regarding a publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on and Bad Governance Protests” by the human rights organisation .

In a letter dated January 6, 2025, the Nigeria Police said the publication in question, which includes numerous unsubstantiated claims, falsely accused the Force of human rights violations, brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide.

The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said “Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.

“The NPF emphasizes 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. Criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were however arrested and dealt with according to law.”

ACP Adejobi further stated that the Nigeria Police Force strongly believed that the 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 reputation of the organisation and demoralize its officers who risk their lives to protect the public.

“In light of these falsehoods, the NPF has demanded that Amnesty International issues 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.