Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has a stern warning to Nigeria’s service chiefs and military commanders regarding the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters.
In a statement released on August 6, Atiku emphasised that those who authorize such actions will be held accountable for crimes against humanity, even post-retirement.
“The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. It is the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest,” Atiku stated.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has denied allegations that security operatives used excessive force during the #EndBadGovernance protests. During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun stated that no live ammunition was used against protesters, describing reports of police shootings as “fake news.”
“The police and the military, and indeed no other security agency involved in the management of this protest, have deployed excessive use of force,” the IGP said.
“Instead, what we had were attacks on security agents during the protest. From our record, there was no shooting incident by the police.”
Egbetokun added that several security officers were critically injured during the protests and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Beginning on August 1, the #EndBadGovernance protests emerged from widespread discontent over economic conditions and government policies.
With thousands taking to the streets, demonstrators are demanding urgent government intervention to address the soaring cost of living and other socio-economic issues.
Several violent incidents, including deaths and looting, have marred the protests, intensifying the tense situation and prompting calls for an end to the protests.
While the Northern parts of the country have been rocked by the incidents of violence and arson, the South East and South West have largely experienced peaceful rallies.
On Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and all heads of security forces in the country.
Although the agenda remains undisclosed, sources indicate that the meeting will focus on implementing President Bola Tinubu’s crackdown order amidst escalating protests.
The meeting, scheduled to take place at Defence Headquarters, will be attended by prominent figures, including heads of intelligence agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Inspector-General of Police.
Additionally, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, will be present. Heads of Correctional Services, Immigration, Customs, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other paramilitary organisations have also been invited.
