By Zara Maisango
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a response to Amnesty International's recent report alleging that thirteen individuals have died in the ongoing nationwide protests, which began on August 1, 2024. Amnesty International's report claims that security forces used lethal tactics against protesters.
The Police Force has detailed incidents from the first two days of the protests. In Borno State, four people were killed and thirty-four injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants who detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) among the protesters. Additionally, two civilians were killed when an unregistered car drove into the protest crowd; the driver has fled, but the vehicle is in police custody. Another fatality occurred in Kebbi State, where a vigilante shot a looter during a robbery attempt. This brings the reported total of protest-related deaths to seven.
The Police Force stated that no other fatalities have been recorded beyond these incidents. However, there were reports of armed robbery, arson, looting, and property destruction. Police efforts resulted in the arrest of 681 individuals for various crimes, with several dangerous weapons and stolen items recovered. Despite some misinformation, protest organizers were not arrested, and those detained are being investigated for criminal activities.
The Police Force emphasized that its personnel have acted professionally, using teargas rather than lethal force to manage riots and only resorting to arrests when necessary. Nine police officers sustained injuries, one critically.
The Police Force advises peaceful protesters to withdraw due to the violence observed. They reaffirm their commitment to maintaining law and order and urge citizens to disregard misleading reports about the protests.
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