The Nigeria Police Force has rejected Amnesty International’s recent report, which alleged extrajudicial killings of at least 24 people in six northern states during protests, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, announced on Sunday, while briefing newsmen that a special investigative panel reviewed the allegations and found no evidence to support Amnesty’s claims.
Adejobi cited specific instances, including findings in Borno, Niger, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Kano States, where police investigations contradicted Amnesty’s reports. “For example, the claim of a grenade killing three people in Borno was labelled as “blatant falsehood,” with evidence pointing to looting and destruction by violent protesters.
In Niger and Katsina, alleged killings were deemed unsubstantiated, while Kaduna’s alleged protests and killings were found to have no basis. Investigations in Kano revealed that reported deaths were due to confrontations involving criminals, not police action.
“Amnesty International is advised to reflect on its frequent false reporting on Nigeria’s law enforcement activities and ensure its reports are accurate and contain a true and fair representation of events affecting national security and public safety. Accurate reporting of facts is essential to the integrity of any international organisation, and Amnesty International should not be an exception,” Adejobi said.
Adejobi emphasized the police’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and urged Amnesty International to ensure accurate and fair reporting, stating that the police would demand a retraction and public apology for the report’s inaccuracies.
The police however, warned the public against sensational reports designed to erode trust in law enforcement institutions.
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