NEWS
Nigeria Police demands retraction from Amnesty International
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally requested that Amnesty International issue a public apology and retract its publication, “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on End Bad Governance Protests.”
The demand was made in a letter dated January 6, 2025, in response to what the NPF called unfounded and unsupported claims made against its employees.
According to the magazine, the NPF engaged in disproportionate violence, police brutality, and human rights violations during the August 2024 “End Bad Governance” protests. These allegations, however, have been flatly rejected by the NPF, which maintains that there is no reliable evidence to support them.
The NPF also provided evidence, including national media coverage, to support its position that officers worked diligently to maintain law and order while protecting peaceful protesters, and that criminal elements who sought to use the protests for unlawful activities were apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The NPF also stated in a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, that its officers maintained professionalism and restraint throughout the protests, even in the face of provocation and violent attacks.
The NPF voiced concern that the public’s faith and confidence in the Force, which it has fought so hard to establish, might be weakened by Amnesty International’s report. According to the statement, the accusations not only harm the organization’s image but also dishearten policemen who risk their lives every day to protect the public.
Amnesty International has been given seven days by the NPF to publicly apologize and produce a formal retraction. The Force will investigate legal action to protect its reputation if noncompliance occurs.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the rule of law, promoting public trust, and safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians. The Force’s dedication to professionalism and responsibility was reaffirmed at the end of the statement.
