Amnesty International has raised serious concerns over the Nigerian government’s failure to deliver justice one year after security forces allegedly used excessive force and made mass arbitrary arrests during the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a strongly worded statement released on its official website and social media platforms on Friday, the human rights watchdog condemned the lack of accountability and urged the authorities to uphold the rights of victims and survivors who suffered during the protests.
The statement marks the one-year anniversary of the nationwide demonstrations that began on August 1, 2024, and continued for ten days, concluding on August 10, 2024.
The #EndBadGovernance protests were driven by widespread frustration over deteriorating living conditions, economic hardship, and perceived government failure. Citizens decried skyrocketing inflation, a sharp rise in food prices, and the removal of fuel subsidies, which exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis across the country.
The protests, initially peaceful and involving large-scale participation across major Nigerian cities, turned violent in some locations due to confrontations with security operatives. According to Amnesty International’s investigation, security forces, particularly the Nigerian police, responded with lethal force, resulting in the death of at least 24 individuals between August 1 and August 10, 2024. The deaths occurred in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Kaduna States.
Amnesty International also reported a disturbing pattern of indiscriminate arrests and prosecutions of peaceful demonstrators. Many were allegedly charged with fabricated or politically motivated offences and subjected to hasty and unfair trials. In Maiduguri, Borno State, for example, protesters were reportedly convicted and sentenced to punishments such as community service, flogging, or imprisonment. These convictions were allegedly based on charges such as belonging to a group called “Zanga Zanga” and conspiring to rebel against the government.
In Abuja, several individuals continue to face trial in a Federal High Court, accused of serious offences such as inciting mutiny, levying war against the state, and attempting to destabilize Nigeria—charges that Amnesty International claims are groundless and politically motivated.
The organisation’s Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, in the statement, criticised the Nigerian government’s approach, saying:
“The Nigerian authorities are yet to take appropriate and effective measures to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
Amnesty’s findings revealed that security personnel fired live ammunition at close range, often targeting the head and torso, indicating an intent to kill. Some survivors were reportedly shot in the arms and legs, while others experienced asphyxiation from tear gas used indiscriminately.
There were also reports of torture and inhumane treatment, including denial of food to detainees, which allegedly caused the collapse of minors during court appearances, particularly noted during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1, 2024.
Despite mounting evidence of rights violations, Amnesty International stated that the Nigerian government continued to pursue charges against peaceful protesters while failing to prosecute members of the police force responsible for the violent crackdown.
The statement declared: “The Nigerian government’s violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests demonstrates a blatant disregard for human rights. The failure to hold the police accountable only emboldens security agencies to continue deploying lethal force as a means of crowd control.”
The organisation stressed that the protests were not acts of rebellion but a call for better governance, accountability, and an end to systemic police brutality and impunity.
“One year after the protests, victims and survivors are still waiting for justice. The Nigerian government must act swiftly to address the human rights abuses committed and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
In addition, Amnesty called on the international community to hold Nigeria to account. The statement urged global actors to demand respect for fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and peaceful protest.
“The use of lethal force and arbitrary arrests is unacceptable and must be condemned. The Nigerian government must prioritise the safety and dignity of its citizens and ensure that security personnel face the consequences of their actions.”
Concluding its statement, Amnesty International reaffirmed its commitment to seeking justice for the victims and holding the Nigerian authorities accountable:
“Though the #EndBadGovernance protests have ended, the struggle for justice, accountability, and respect for human rights continues. Those responsible for these egregious abuses must not escape justice.”