The Nigeria Police Force has written Amnesty International to demand immediate retraction and public apology regarding a publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on and Bad Governance Protests” via a letter dated January 6, 2025.
Penpushing reports that the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi noted that the publication in question, which includes numerous unsubstantiated claims, falsely accuses the Nigeria Police of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests.
The letter emphasized that upon careful review and investigation, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation.
Penpushing further reports that the letter explained that during the protests, the police acted with restraint and professionalism, even at the highest point of provocation and violent attacks, adhering to global best practices and using minimal force where necessary.
‘Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters. Criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were however arrested and dealt with according to law’, Adejobi wrote.
Penpushing also reports that the letter declared that the police authorities strongly believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence it has worked diligently to build with Nigerian citizens and residents.
The letter emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force further underscores that such false claims harm the reputation of the organization and demoralize its officers who risk their lives to protect the public and properties.
‘In light of these falsehoods, the NPF has demanded that Amnesty International issues a formal retraction and public apology within seven days. Failure to comply will prompt the NPF to consider legal actions to protect its reputation’, it read.
Penpushing further reports that the letter stated that the Nigeria Police Force 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.
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