Tag: Police

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Saturday confirmed seven people have died in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across the country. 

The Force faulted claims by Amnesty International that 13 persons died due to the protests in Nigeria that began on August 1. 

A statement on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force finds it necessary to refute a recent report publicized by Amnesty International, which claims that thirteen (13) individuals have lost their lives due to the protests in Nigeria that began on 1st August 2024. Amnesty International further alleges that security personnel deliberately employed tactics designed to kill while managing gatherings and used firearms as a tactical tool for protest management. 

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to provide an accurate account of incidents from the first two (2) days of the nationwide protests. In Borno State, four (4) individuals lost their lives and thirty-four (34) were severely injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements who infiltrated the crowd of protesters and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). 

“Additionally, an incident occurred involving an unregistered Honda Prelude car that ran into the protesters, resulting in the deaths of two (2) civilians. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Although the vehicle was vandalized after the incident, it has been recovered and is currently in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to trace the driver and bring him to justice. 

“There was another incident reported in Yauri, in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State where a group of individuals mobilized to loot a shop. In the process, a local vigilante man shot and killed one of the looters. The Commissioner of Police in charge of Kebbi State is currently investigating the incident. This brings the total number of deaths recorded during the protests to seven (7).

“It is important to state that there were no other recorded fatalities during the protests apart from those mentioned above”.

However, the police said incidences of armed robbery, arson, mischief, looting of public institutions and private businesses, destructions of public and private property were recorded during the protest.

Adejobi said arrests were made with respect to these criminal incidences and a number of recoveries made from the suspects while the protest was going on. 

He said the Police operatives deployed to manage the protests have acted professionally, refraining from using lethal weapons.

“In instances where protesters became riotous, the police employed teargas to disperse them. Even when our officers on lawful duty were attacked and injured, the police effected arrests using only teargas, demonstrating utmost restraint. 

“In an effort to combat the trend of crimes and criminality, the police have arrested a total of six hundred and eighty-one (681) individuals who committed various criminal offenses such as armed robbery, arson, mischief, and destructions of both public and private property,” he added.

He said dangerous weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and assorted live ammunition, were recovered from the so-called protesters. 

The police added stolen items such as furniture, electronics, phones, other various shop items, and vital infrastructures worth billions of naira were recovered from the arrested persons. 

Contrary to circulating news, organizers of the protest or protesters were not arrested.

Those in police custody, he said are under investigation for clear connections to criminal activities. 

Adejobi said: “Furthermore, nine (9) police officers sustained various degrees of injuries during attacks by protesters. One of them who initially was reported dead, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition. 

“The ongoing protest has obviously turned violent. We therefore advise law abiding citizens taking part in the protest across the country to immediately withdraw from it. This advice becomes necessary in view of the violence that has characterized the protest in the last 2 days. It is reasonably expected that Peaceful protesters would have withdrawn from the protest that has turned violent”.

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He said the Nigeria Police Force was committed to providing accurate information and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during these challenging times.

“It is essential to recognize that the strategic deployment by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, and the decisive clampdown on criminal elements exploiting the protests for unlawful activities, has been highly effective in quelling tension and curbing the violence and anarchy witnessed on the first day of the protests.

“During this challenging period, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to performing its lawful duties with professionalism, maintaining law and order, and preventing anarchy throughout the country. The Nigeria Police urges all citizens and residents to disregard unfounded and psychologically manipulative reports circulating about incidents during these protests,” Adejobi added.

The Katsina Police Command has described as ”misleading” a viral video circulating on social media platforms, particularly on x, of a security agent laying motionless on the ground allegedly shot dead by a police officer while trying to disperse protesters in Katsina.

Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Police Command, ASP Sadiq Abubakar in a statement to newsmen in Katsina,said the video was manipulated and taken out of context, adding there was no such shooting incident during the protests

He said: ”The fact is that the security agent shown in the video is an officer of the NSCDC who fell from a patrol vehicle due to an accident involving the vehicle at the scene of the protest”

”He was immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Center), Katsina, where he was treated and discharged”

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”We call on members of the public to disregard this misinformation and always verify information through official channels”

”Furthermore, we assure citizens and residents in the state,the strength of our synergy with sister security agencies in the state as we work together to maintain public safety and order and the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of our duties”

”We will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and stability in Katsina State.”

The Nation recalled the Katsina State Government imposed curfew and banned street protests,since August 2, following outbreak of violence resulting from the exercise 

 The Police Command in Katsina State said there was no loss of life recorded in the state during the nationwide hunger protests.

ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the command’s spokesman, made this known in a statement issued in Katsina on Saturday.

“The command wishes to address a misleading viral video circulating on social media platforms of a security agent lying motionless on the ground alleged to have been shot dead by a police officer while trying to disperse protesters.

“The video is manipulated and taken out of context as there was no such shooting incident throughout the command during the protest.

“The fact is that the security agent shown in the video is an officer of the NSCDC who fell from a patrol vehicle due to an accident involving the vehicle at the scene of the protest.

”He was immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Centre), Katsina, where he was treated and discharged,” Sadiq-Aliyu said.

Read Also: Police parade 326 suspected vandals in Kano #EndBadGovernance protest

He further called on the members of the public to disregard what he described as a ‘misinformation’, and always verify information through the official channels.

According to him, the command assures them of the strength of their synergy with sister security agencies in the state as they work together to maintain public safety and order.

“We are also assuring the public of our highest level of professionalism in the discharge of our duties, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and stability in Katsina State,” he assured.

(NAN) 

The Network On Police Reforms In Nigeria (NOPRIN) has said there is a critical need for reforms in police detention facilities across the country.

 The organisation called for collective responsibility to ensure that these facilities are upgraded to meet international standards.

The Vice Chairperson of NOPRIN, Mrs. Felicitas Aigbogun stated this at the public presentation of a comprehensive report on the state of some police detention facilities in Nigeria.

“The findings of this report highlight a critical need for reforms in our police detention facilities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these facilities are humane and meet international standards,” Aigbogun stated.

The report was put together by NOPRIN, in partnership with the Judiciary, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through funding support from the German Federal Foreign Office.

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The report, titled ‘Reforming Police Detention Facilities in Nigeria: Enhancing Oversight and Accountability Measures,’ examined the extent of compliance by Nigeria’s police with section 70 of the Nigeria Police Force Establishment Act 2020.

 Teams comprising members from the Judiciary, NHRC, and civil society organisations conducted on-site visits to 30 urban and rural police stations in Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Enugu, Kano, Niger, and Ondo States.

 They administered questionnaires, observed operations, examined documents, and engaged with relevant stakeholders.

 The organisation said the primary objective of the exercise was to underscore the urgent need for the government and all relevant stakeholders to play their parts in ensuring detention facilities meet minimum human rights standards and decency while maintaining gender and age sensitivity.

 “The findings highlight the continuous need for adequate funding of the police to ensure that police detention facilities are maintained and serviced to meet human habitable conditions, respect gender and human rights, and be sensitive to age categorisation.

 “Additionally and in compliance with sections 69 and 70 of the Police Act 2020, NOPRIN calls on the NHRC and the Judiciary, particularly the Chief Magistrates, to uphold their legal responsibilities in consistently monitoring detention conditions while also highlighting the importance of the police to ensure up to date records of people who may have been held its detention facility and regular reporting to the Magistrate.

 “Section 6(1) of the NHRC Establishment Act mandates regular audits of police detention facilities, while the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) and the Police Act (2020) stipulate periodic inspections by Chief Magistrates and other judicial officers. The NHRC Amendment Act (2010) further empowers the commission to visit detention facilities to assess conditions and make necessary recommendations,” NOPRIN said in a statement.

The police command in Kano on Friday, August 2, paraded 326 suspects involved in the destruction and looting of public and private properties during the supposed peaceful nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.

Among the suspects are five women and 21 children aged below 15 years.

Besides weapons, an avalanche of food items and other properties were recovered.

Items recovered include AK47 rifles, bags of rice, jerrycans of oil, air conditioners, cottons of indomie and spaghetti, cosmetics, furniture, computers and laptops among others.

Vandalism, destruction of public and private properties, killing and maiming of citizens by hoodlums and criminal elements heralded Thursday’s supposed peaceful protest in Kano.

Several sopping malls were forced opened and looted, vehicle screens smashed, drivers harassed and mobile phones snatched from pedestrians as the vandalism spree went on.

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The hoodlums laid siege at the gate of Government House wrecking havoc.

The Digital Industrial Park (DIP) of the the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) representing northwestern region of Nigeria, and located along State Road to be commissioned on August 7, was vandalised.

Tensions heightened in various areas of Kano, as protesters of the #EndBadGovernance took to the streets to voice their grievances over soaring food prices.

The official bus of Channels Television in Kano was vandalised and its windscreen smashed as violent protesters descended on journalists in the vehicle covering the protest.

Haruna Saidu who delivers The Nation Newspaper hard copies at Galadima, France Road of Kano metropolitan city was attacked at Maibawa, on his way back to Abuja.

Some items in his car, including 25 litre fuel, and more than N10 thousand were carted away. He was held hostage for hours, he said.

Commissioner of Police, Kano state, Salman Garba, on Friday directed the Anti-Cyber Crime Unit of the command to launch an investigation with a view to prosecuting the perpetrators.

Police spokesman, Abdullahi Kiyawa, who briefed reporters at the command headquarters on behalf of the commissioner, said: “In the aftermath of August 1, 2024 nationwide protest, a total of 326 suspects were arrested with large quantity of exhibits recovered.

“All the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.

“The commissioner of police commended the Kano State Government for prompt intervention of imposing the 24-hour curfew.

“In addition, the commissioner of calls on parents, guardians and the law-abiding people of the State who saw their wards with looted properties to voluntarily return same to the nearest police station.”

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of at least 81 individuals in connection with the destruction and vandalism of public property during Friday’s “Endbadgovernance” protest.

The arrests were carried out in coordination with other security agencies in the state.

Police Commissioner Ali Hayatu Kaigama stated that the collaborative efforts leading to these arrests reflect the force’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

He assured the public of adequate security and urged the residents of Sokoto State to avoid any form of criminal behavior, particularly during protests.

“The protest started in the early hours of Thursday peacefully with the participation of youths and underage (children) under a very close security watch until around 03:00 pm when it started becoming violent and unruly.

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“Billboards in front of Government House and Iron rail demarcation of some Major roads within the State were vandalized”.

“In the quest to maintain law and order within the State and to avoid further breaking of shops and looting of warehouse among other nefarious activities, the Joint Patrol was able to make the arrest”.

Kaigama said in a statement on Friday issued to reporters in Sokoto by the command spokesman, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, while acknowledging the right of residents to protest also frowned at the destruction of public infrastructure.

“This is why we have to arrest violent protesters for destroying public property and will be made to face the full wrath of the law”, the statement explained.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has commended residents for not joining the hunger protest, praising them for promoting national peace.

Itam made the commendation on Friday, August 2, as full activities resumed in the state following the first day of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The residents of the state on Thursday, August 1, chose to stay indoors instead of participating in the protest.

It was gathered that those who sought available eateries to enjoy themselves claimed it was part of the nationwide protest.

The Nation gathered that the decision to stay indoors was driven by fear of potential attacks by gunmen during the exercise.

In a statement released on Friday, Police Command spokesperson Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga conveyed the CP’s appreciation.

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He assured residents that the police, in collaboration with other security outfits, would continue to ensure their safety and protect their property.

“The CP extends his commendation to Ndi Anambra, particularly the youth, for their exemplary conduct in promoting national peace.

In this regard, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have re-strategized their security patrols and surveillance operations across the State.

“These measures are aimed at preventing crime and ensuring that law-abiding citizens can carry out their lawful activities without harassment.

“The Commissioner of Police urges the public to remain vigilant, and law-abiding, and to report any criminal activities or breaches of public peace to the nearest police station. For immediate assistance, the Command’s

“The Anambra State Police Command remains dedicated to safeguarding the peace and security of all residents,” Itam said.

• Scale of destruction mind-boggling

Inspector-General (IG) Kayode Egbetokun yesterday frowned at the violent turn of the protest in some parts of the country.

“It’s clear from the development that the aim of the violent protest is instigated to loot and destroy both private and government property,” the police boss said.

IG Egbetokun, who spoke on the outcome of yesterday’s protest, vowed that the police are capable and will not tolerate what happened where violent took over places, where people protested without recourse to the rule of law.

Noting that those promoting the protest were not around to lead it, the IG added that instead, hoodlums were let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property.

He listed Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger and Jigawa as the states where government properties were vandalised and looted.

According to him, the police may invite the military and other security agencies if need be to prevent further breakdown of law and other.

The IG said: “There have been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have been so far looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.”

He vowed that the force will resist further attempts from protesters to loot and destroy private and public property.

The police boss warned that the force is capable of the situation, but has only been civil.

In Borno, the IGP said the police recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing four instantly and severely injured 34 others, many of whom are at present on the danger list.

Egbetokun said: “You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal showing the intent of some groups to form trouble and create anarchy in the country.

“While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones, refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to ensure the protest remained peaceful.

“On the basis of this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations. “This would have enabled the police to provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest. This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.

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 “Regrettably, events in some major cities today (yesterday) showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.

“The motive of the rioters was basically two – loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. In spite of the refusal of the protesters for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they instead trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.

“In places like the FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman was reported dead and others seriously injured.

“We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers.

“Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device.

“We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.

“Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.”

He warned that groups, hiding under the guise of exercising a right provided in the Constitution to destabilise the country, should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.