The Nigerian police are facing mounting scrutiny following reports of widespread violence against protesters during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations earlier this year. In Suleja, Niger State, at least six individuals, including non-protesters, were killed by security forces, according to an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES. This comes as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun orders a comprehensive inquiry into the deadly crackdown.
The protests, which erupted in August, were driven by growing frustration over economic hardship, exacerbated by government policies. Demonstrators, led by a coalition of civil society groups including Omoyele Sowore’s Take It Back Movement, demanded urgent reforms—ranging from a rollback of fuel price hikes to an overhaul of public sector wages. However, the protests were met with force, with Amnesty International alleging that at least 24 people were killed and more than 1,200 detained across six Nigerian states.
A report released by the rights group on December 1 detailed the violent response from security forces, citing incidents of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and the deaths of activists and bystanders alike. Amnesty’s investigation, which spanned Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Niger states, paints a grim picture of security agents’ conduct during the protests. Among the victims were women and minors, including a young girl named Nana Firdausi, who was allegedly killed by a police officer.
In the wake of these findings, the IGP has ordered a detailed review of the events, with police commissioners in affected states tasked with submitting reports within a week. The investigation will focus on whether officers adhered to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the rules of engagement, and whether any actions deviated from protocol.
However, the police have pushed back against the accusations. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, dismissed Amnesty’s claims, stating that only seven deaths were attributed to police actions, and suggesting those killed were involved in criminal activities such as vandalism and theft. He also defended the police’s use of force, claiming that officers operated within the law and that arrests were made based on lawful grounds.
Amnesty International has called for a transparent, independent investigation into the incidents and the immediate release of individuals arrested solely for peacefully protesting. The rights group also urged the Nigerian government to publicly apologize to the victims of police violence and provide adequate compensation.
Demands for Reform and Accountability
The protests highlighted the deepening economic crisis in Nigeria, with many protesters calling for the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, a reduction in utility costs, and improved governance. While the government initially attempted to quell the protests through persuasion, the use of force escalated quickly. Numerous reports emerged of police and military personnel using live ammunition, tear gas, and even grenades to disperse crowds, leading to several fatalities and widespread injuries.
The Nigerian authorities, meanwhile, have attempted to downplay the scale of the violence. In a public statement, Adejobi defended the actions of the police, claiming officers showed “professionalism and restraint” despite being subjected to violent attacks from protesters. He further argued that the police did not deploy live ammunition against demonstrators, contrary to allegations from human rights groups.
Nevertheless, local and international human rights organizations continue to call for accountability. Amnesty International has urged the United Nations and the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights to intervene, demanding an independent and impartial investigation into the alleged violations. The group also recommended that the Nigerian police implement new training protocols, improve their accountability systems, and ensure that officers involved in such operations are clearly identified.
Calls for Broader Reform
Amnesty’s report outlined several key recommendations to address the broader issues surrounding police conduct, including the establishment of an effective complaints system for extrajudicial killings and abuse by security forces. The group also recommended that police forces across Nigeria prioritize the training of officers in managing protests and upholding human rights standards.
As the investigation continues, the Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to ensure justice for those who lost their lives during the protests and to implement reforms that will prevent further violations of citizens’ rights.
For now, the focus remains on the ongoing inquiry, with the authorities promising a transparent process. But for many Nigerians, the outcome of this investigation will be seen as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to human rights and democratic freedoms.