The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights(SNWR) expresses dismay over the statement made by the Nigerian Police Force regarding the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a letter dated January 6, 2025, and addressed to Amnesty International, the NPF condemned the publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on end Bad Governance Protests.” This was disclosed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday.

The claim by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) that its officers acted with “restraint and professionalism” during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests is not only false but a blatant attempt to rewrite history.

Members of the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights are living witness to the unprofessional and inhumane conduct of the NPF before, during, and after the protests.

We unequivocally support Amnesty International’s findings and affirm that the atrocities committed by the NPF are well-documented.

We have seen videos circulated online that show these violations.  In one harrowing instance, a video circulated online also showed the delivery of a protester’s body to their grieving parents in Suleja, Niger State, further illustrating the police’s recklessness and disregard for human life.

Contrary to the NPF’s claims of restraint, live ammunition was used against peaceful protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 individuals, as reported by Amnesty International. These killings were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of excessive force and deliberate violence.

Activists, including Comrade Akande Daniel, were abducted by men in mufti who later revealed themselves to be members of the Police Force. Daniel was subjected to severe psychological and physical torture, including detention in freezing conditions, deprivation of food, and denial of legal representation. The confiscation of his belongings and the lies told to his family and lawyers demonstrate the NPF’s systemic unprofessionalism.

Lawyers attempting to access detained activists were obstructed and misled. Funds meant to alleviate detainees’ suffering were not used for the stated purposes by the police, further showcasing the NPF’s lack of accountability.

We reject the NPF’s demand for a retraction from Amnesty International and call for urgent actions to address these issues:

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioners of Police in states where protesters were detained and killed must be removed and held accountable. They have failed to uphold their duty to protect citizens.

We demand that a democratic and independent committee should investigate the police officers involved in these atrocities. Those found guilty must face dismissal and criminal prosecution.

Finally, the NPF requires a complete overhaul to address its structural inefficiencies, lack of professionalism, and culture of impunity. We want the rank-and-file members of the Nigerian Police Force to be part of the decision-making body of police affairs through the democratic formation of the police officers union; this will allow the rank-and-file police officers to fight and demand better salaries and funding for the police force.

This, we believe, will truly turn the Nigerian Police Force and the security services around, and make them truly undertake their primary responsibilities, which include the security of the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Presently, the Nigerian Police Force has shown itself to be incapable. The evidence of their misconduct is overwhelming, and their attempts to undermine credible reports from Amnesty International only reinforce their lack of integrity.

Justice must prevail, and the voices of the oppressed will not be silenced.

Segun Ogun,

Coordinator,

Daniel Akande,

Publicity Secretary,