Human rights organisation Amnesty International has accused Nigerian police of deploying excessive force to disperse demonstrators during the #EndBadGovernance protests held from 1 to 10 August 2024. The protests, driven by frustration over economic hardship and government corruption, took place nationwide but ended in violence and loss of life.

In a briefing published yesterday, Amnesty International stated that at least 24 protesters were killed during the demonstrations in six states: Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger. The victims included 20 young people, two children, and an older person. The report alleged that police fired live ammunition at close range, often targeting the head and torso, suggesting deliberate intent to kill.

“Nigerian police used excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations between 1–10 August, killing at least 24 people,” Amnesty International said.

“In all cases, the victims were shot by police officers firing live ammunition at close range, often at the head or torso. Two survivors sustained gunshot wounds to their arms and legs, while others were suffocated by indiscriminate use of tear gas.”

Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, condemned the violence, describing it as a gross violation of human rights.
“People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at peaceful protests. The death toll could be higher than 24 due to the authorities’ desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities. Peaceful protest over government policies has now become a matter of life and death in Nigeria,” he said.

Amnesty International has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate an independent and impartial investigation into the incidents, urging accountability for human rights violations committed during the protests.

Amnesty International also reported the detention of over 1,200 protesters, including minors, many of whom were charged with treasonable felony. Some detainees claimed they were tortured while in custody.

One of the detainees, Khalid Aminu, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna, recounted his ordeal:
“I was tortured for over 60 days, starting from the point of arrest. DSS operatives beat me with sticks and iron cables and poured water on me. I am yet to fully recover.”

Another detainee, Michael Adaramoye, popularly known as Lenin, was detained in Abuja for two months for participating in the protests.

Despite widespread evidence, including eyewitness accounts, videos, and medical records, the Nigerian police have consistently denied involvement in the killings, labelling the allegations as “fake news” or attributing the violence to “unknown gunmen.”

Amnesty International criticised the police’s denial, stating it undermines public trust and perpetuates impunity.
“The Nigerian Police Force’s refusal to acknowledge these killings is disturbing and exacerbates the cycle of violence. It also deepens the agony of parents whose loved ones were killed,” Sanusi said.

The report emphasised that international law prohibits the use of firearms against protesters unless there is an imminent threat to life, and even then, only as a last resort. Law enforcement agents must not use firearms to disperse crowds, even if protests turn violent.

Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to thoroughly investigate the allegations of human rights violations during the protests. The organisation demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice through fair trials.

“The Nigerian authorities must end this cycle of impunity and ensure justice for victims and survivors. Deadly crackdowns on peaceful protests must cease in compliance with Nigeria’s national and international legal obligations,” Sanusi said.

The #EndBadGovernance protests were sparked by increasing economic hardship and systemic corruption. While the demonstrations began peacefully, they were met with violent crackdowns by security forces. In addition to the fatalities, over 1,200 protesters were detained, with many facing charges of treasonable felony. The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly dismissed allegations of excessive use of force, rejecting calls for an independent investigation.