The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has written to Amnesty International, demanding an immediate retraction and public apology over a publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”.
The publication accused the NPF of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 protests.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, stated that the publication contained numerous unsubstantiated claims and false accusations against the NPF.
The statement emphasized that the NPF acted with restraint and professionalism during the protests, adhering to global best practices and using minimal force where necessary.
The NPF strongly believes that the publication undermines the trust and confidence it has worked to build with Nigerian citizens and residents.
The Force has demanded that Amnesty International issue a formal retraction and public apology within seven days, failing which it will consider legal actions to protect its reputation.
Amnesty International had accused the NPF of using excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people.
However, the NPF has categorically rejected these allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.
The NPF 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 demand for retraction and apology is seen as a step towards protecting the reputation of the Force and maintaining public trust.
