The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned the Amnesty International on releasing unconfirmed figures and reports about incidences happening in the nation.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, August 3, the NPF said that it deemed it necessary to refute a recent report publicised by the Amnesty International claiming the death of 13 individuals as a result of the protests in Nigeria which began on Thursday, August 1.
In the report, the human rights crusading body alleged security personnel of deliberately employing tactics designed to kill while managing gatherings.
It also alleged the use of firearms as a tactical tool for protest management.
Giving the record of incidences, the FPRO said: “the Nigeria Police Force wishes to provide an accurate account of incidents from the first two days of the nationwide protests.
“In Borno State, four individuals lost their lives and 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 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.
He continued: “There was another incident reported in Yauri, in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State where a group of individuals mobilised 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.
“It is important to state that there were no other recorded fatalities during the protests apart from those mentioned above.”
ACP Adejobi disclosed incidents which were recorded during the protest, including armed robbery, arson, mischief, looting of public institutions and private businesses, destruction of both public and private property.
He made it known that arrests were made in respect of the criminal acts committed and a number of recoveries made from the suspects while the protest was going on.
“The Nigeria Police personnel 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 681 individuals who committed various criminal offenses such as armed robbery, arson, mischief, and destructions of both public and private property.
“Dangerous weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and assorted live ammunition, were recovered from the so-called protesters.
“Additionally, stolen items such as furniture, electronics, phones, other various shop items, and vital infrastructure worth billions of naira were recovered from the arrested persons.
Contrary to circulating news, organisers of the protest or protesters were not arrested. Those in police custody are under investigation for clear connections to criminal activities.
“Furthermore, nine 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 characterised the protest in the last two days.
“It is reasonably expected that peaceful protesters would have withdrawn from the one that has turned violent.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to providing accurate information and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during these challenging times.
“It is essential to recognise 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, the FPRO stated.
He added during this challenging period, the Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to performing its lawful duties with professionalism, maintaining law and order, and preventing anarchy throughout the country.
The Force spokesman urged all Nigerian citizens and residents to disregard unfounded and psychologically manipulative reports circulating about incidents during these protests.
