Protests: Drama as Police, Amnesty International Clash Over Fatalities

The Nigeria Police announced that 681 individuals involved in various criminal activities during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest have been arrested over the past two days.

The protest, which focuses on issues of hunger and inflation, began nationwide on August 1 and is now in its third day, as of August 3.

EKO HOT BLOG gathered that on Friday, August 2, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, stated that 13 protesters had been killed by security personnel across Nigeria, condemning the actions as “unjustified and unacceptable.” Amnesty International criticized the security forces for employing harmful tactics and using firearms to control the protests.

In response, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi released a statement on Saturday disputing Amnesty International’s figures and denying the allegations against the security operatives. He confirmed that arrests had been made during the first two days of the protest, with law enforcement confiscating weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and various live ammunition, from some protesters.

According to police reports, 618 people were arrested on the first day of the protest across eight states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. On the second day, 63 protesters were arrested. The police reported that only seven people died during the protests, contradicting Amnesty International’s figures.

Below is a detailed account of the events as provided by the Nigeria Police:

Muyiwa Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force finds it necessary to refute a recent report publicised by Amnesty International, which claims that 13 individuals have lost their lives due to the protests in Nigeria that began on August 1, 2024.

“To combat the trend of crimes and criminality, the police have arrested a total of 681 individuals who committed various criminal offences such as armed robbery, arson, mischief, and destruction of both public and private property. Dangerous weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and assorted live ammunition, were recovered from the so-called protesters.

“Additionally, stolen items such as furniture, electronics, phones, other various shop items, and vital infrastructures worth billions of naira were recovered from the arrested persons. Contrary to circulating news, organizers of the protest or protesters were not arrested.”

He added, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to provide an accurate account of incidents from the first two days of the nationwide protests. In Borno State, four individuals lost their lives and 34 were severely injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements who infiltrated the crowd of protesters and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device.

“Additionally, an incident occurred involving an unregistered Honda Prelude car that ran into the protesters, resulting in the deaths of two civilians. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Although the vehicle was vandalised after the incident, it has been recovered and is currently in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to trace the driver and bring him to justice.

“There was another incident reported in Yauri, in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State where a group of individuals mobilised to loot a shop. In the process, a local vigilante man shot and killed one of the looters. The Commissioner of Police in charge of Kebbi State is currently investigating the incident. This brings the total number of deaths recorded during the protests to seven.

“Those in police custody are under investigation for clear connections to criminal activities. Furthermore, nine police officers sustained various degrees of injuries during attacks by protesters. One of them who initially was reported dead, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition.”