Amnesty International Report: How Nigerian Police Kill 24 Protesters During #EndBadGovernance Demonstrations
Amnesty International has released a damning report detailing the brutal response by the Nigerian police to peaceful protests during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, which took place nationwide from August 1-10, 2024. According to the organization, at least 24 protesters were killed in multiple states, including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger.
The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Authorities’ Violent Suppression of #EndBadGovernance Protests,” was published on Thursday, condemning the violent actions taken by the police against demonstrators protesting the widespread corruption and economic hardship in the country. Amnesty International documented that the victims, most of whom were young people, were killed by live ammunition fired at close range, typically to the head or torso, indicating intent to kill. In addition to those killed, many others were injured by gunshots or tear gas. Two survivors also suffered gunshot wounds to their limbs.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the excessive force used, stating, “What happened during these protests was unimaginable brutality. Security forces shot live ammunition at unarmed protesters, and the death toll could be higher due to the authorities’ attempts to cover up these actions.” He emphasized the urgent need for accountability, urging the Nigerian government to launch a thorough investigation into the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
According to the report, the violence unfolded in various states. In Kano, 12 protesters were killed in Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa. Three others died in Jigawa, while one was killed in Katsina. In Kaduna, a soldier killed a minor, and another person was shot dead by police in the state’s capital. Other fatalities occurred in Maiduguri and along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger state.
Amnesty’s investigation involved on-the-ground research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa, where they gathered evidence such as photos, videos, and testimonies from eyewitnesses, medical staff, and the victims’ families. The organization found that while the protests began peacefully, they turned violent when police used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds. Amnesty also noted that individuals who supported the protests on social media were subjected to arbitrary arrests, with some being tortured in detention.
One of the detained activists, Khalid Aminu, recounted being severely tortured by Department of State Services (DSS) officers in Kaduna. He described being beaten with sticks and iron cables, adding that the physical and psychological trauma from the abuse still affects him. Another detainee, Michael Adaramoye, known as Lenin, was imprisoned for two months for his involvement in the protests in Abuja.
Despite overwhelming evidence of police involvement in the killings, the Nigerian police have repeatedly denied the charges, labeling the reports as “fake news” or blaming the deaths on “unknown gunmen.” Amnesty condemned these denials as part of a disturbing pattern of impunity that further erodes trust in law enforcement.
Sanusi added, “The Nigerian police’s refusal to acknowledge their role in these killings undermines any chance for justice. This denial culture not only prolongs the pain of the victims’ families but also perpetuates the cycle of violence in the country.”
International human rights standards prohibit the use of excessive force by law enforcement, particularly in dispersing non-violent protests. The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms stress that lethal force should only be used when absolutely necessary and in a manner that is proportional to the threat posed.
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to end the cycle of impunity, release all individuals detained for participating in the protests, and provide effective remedies for the victims and their families. The organization has also urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to conduct an impartial investigation into the actions of the security forces and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place against a backdrop of soaring living costs and rampant corruption, saw widespread participation, especially among young people. Despite efforts by the authorities to suppress the protests, including arbitrary detentions and restrictions on peaceful assembly, the demonstrations continued to grow. Yet, in response, the government resorted to severe measures to punish and intimidate those involved.
Amnesty’s report emphasizes the need for the Nigerian government to respect citizens’ rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, in line with both national and international legal obligations. The organization concludes by reiterating its call for a prompt and impartial investigation into the deaths and widespread human rights violations during the protests.
