The Nigeria Police have arrested 681 individuals over the past two days in connection with the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. These demonstrations, sparked by rising hunger and inflation, began on August 1 and have entered their third day today, August 3.
Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, reported on Friday that 13 protesters have been killed by security personnel, labeling the actions as “unjustified and unacceptable.” The organization criticized the use of harmful tactics and firearms by security forces to control the protests.
In response, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi released a statement on Saturday contesting Amnesty International’s figures and refuting the allegations against security operatives. Adejobi confirmed the arrests and stated that law enforcement authorities had confiscated weapons, including two AK-47 rifles and live ammunition, from some protesters.
Police figures reveal that 618 people were arrested on the first day of the protests across eight states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. On the second day, 63 protesters were arrested, and the police reported seven deaths, contrary to Amnesty International’s figures.
Adejobi detailed the arrests and recoveries: “To combat the trend of crimes and criminality, the police have arrested a total of 681 individuals who committed various criminal offences such as armed robbery, arson, mischief, and destruction 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, organizers of the protest or protesters were not arrested.”
He also provided an accurate account of incidents from the first two days of the 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 and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device.
Another incident involved an unregistered Honda Prelude car that ran into protesters, resulting in the deaths of two civilians. The driver fled the scene, and the vehicle, though vandalized, has been recovered and is in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to trace the driver and bring him to justice.
In Yauri, Kebbi State, a local vigilante shot and killed one looter during an attempt to loot a shop. The Commissioner of Police in charge of Kebbi State is investigating the incident. This brings the total number of deaths recorded during the protests to seven.
Adejobi also noted that those in police custody are being investigated for their connections to criminal activities. Nine police officers sustained various degrees of injuries during attacks by protesters. One officer, initially reported dead, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition.
