The Nigeria Police Force has formally requested an immediate retraction and public apology from Amnesty International regarding the organization’s report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on End Bad Governance Protests.”
According to the police, the publication contains numerous unfounded allegations, accusing the force of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive use of force during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer Olumiyiwa Adejobi revealed that this demand was communicated in a letter dated January 6, 2025. He stated that if Amnesty International does not comply within seven days, the Nigeria Police Force will consider pursuing legal action to protect its reputation.
Adejobi condemned the claims made by the international human rights organization, asserting that the NPF categorically rejects these allegations as baseless and entirely unfounded.
“Following a thorough review and investigation, the NPF affirms that during the protests, our personnel acted with restraint and professionalism, even amidst severe provocation and violent attacks, adhering to global best practices and only using minimal force when necessary,” he noted.
He also pointed to evidence, including national media coverage, that highlights the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters. Criminal elements who attempted to take advantage of the protests were arrested and dealt with according to the law, according to Adejobi.
The Nigeria Police Force believes that this misleading publication threatens the trust and confidence it has worked hard to build with the people of Nigeria. The Force further emphasized that unfounded claims like these damage its reputation and demoralize officers who risk their lives for public safety.
In summary, the NPF has demanded that Amnesty International provide a formal retraction and a public apology within seven days, warning that failure to do so will lead to potential legal action. The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, upholding the law, and fostering trust with the communities it serves.
