The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that nine of its officers sustained injuries, with one initially reported dead but later miraculously surviving during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
This revelation came as the police disputed claims by Amnesty International that 13 civilians had been killed in the protests.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement on Saturday addressing the allegations.
Amnesty International had reported that security personnel were using lethal tactics against protesters, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians over the ten-day period since the protests began on August 1, 2024.
According to the human rights organisation, fatalities included six in Suleja, Niger State, four in Maiduguri, Borno State, and three in Kaduna State.
However, ACP Adejobi refuted these claims, providing a detailed account of the incidents.
He highlighted that four individuals were killed and 34 injured in Borno State due to a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements who infiltrated the protest and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
Additionally, two civilians were killed in a separate incident when an unregistered car rammed into protesters.
The driver abandoned the vehicle and is currently being sought by the police.
In Kebbi State, a local vigilante shot and killed a looter during an attempt to rob a shop, bringing the total death toll from the protests to seven, according to police records.
The police emphasised that there were no other fatalities apart from these incidents.
Despite these assertions, the police acknowledged the escalation of violence during the protests, noting incidents of armed robbery, arson, looting, and destruction of property.
He said a total of 681 individuals were arrested for various criminal activities, while numerous weapons and stolen items were recovered.
The police highlighted their restraint in handling the protests, stating that they refrained from using lethal weapons and resorted to teargas to disperse riotous crowds.
ACP Adejobi noted that even when officers were attacked and injured, the response was measured and professional .
The statement also disclosed that one police officer, initially reported dead, survived and remains in critical condition.
The police urged peaceful protesters to withdraw from the demonstrations, citing the increasing violence and the potential for further chaos.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
ACP Adejobi urged the public to disregard unfounded reports and assured that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to address criminal elements exploiting the protests.
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