A year after the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests that rocked Nigeria in August 2024, Amnesty International says the Nigerian government has failed to deliver justice to victims and survivors of the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.
In a statement released on Friday through its official website and social media platforms, Amnesty International condemned what it described as the continued inaction by the Nigerian authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
“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,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
The protests, which began on August 1 and lasted ten days until August 10, 2024, were triggered by a wave of economic hardship, inflation, rising fuel prices, and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies. Citizens in major cities across the country took to the streets to demand improved governance and accountability.
However, according to Amnesty’s investigations, the peaceful demonstrations were met with excessive and deadly force by security agencies. The organisation reported that at least 24 protesters were killed by police between August 1 and 10 in six northern states — Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Kaduna.
Amnesty revealed that officers often fired live rounds at close range, aiming at the head and torso — a pattern suggesting shoot-to-kill tactics. “Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, while others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas,” the report noted.
The statement further alleged that several protesters were subjected to torture, starvation, and inhumane detention conditions. One particularly distressing incident involved minors collapsing before the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1, 2024, after being denied food and adequate medical attention.
Despite the weight of evidence, Amnesty says the government has pressed ahead with prosecutions. “The Nigerian authorities pressed on with all charges brought against #EndBadGovernance protesters despite overwhelming evidence that they did not break any law,” the group said.
“In Maiduguri, Borno State, several #EndBadGovernance protesters were convicted and sentenced to community service, caning, or imprisonment after a sham trial on bogus charges. The charges included forming a group named ‘Zanga Zanga’ Group and agreeing to take up arms against the government,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, other protesters are still facing trial at a Federal High Court, where they have been charged with levying war against the state, inciting to mutiny, and attempting to destabilise Nigeria.
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Amnesty condemned the entire episode as “a clear demonstration of the government’s utter disregard for human rights,” adding that the government’s refusal to investigate or punish police officers involved in abuses only reinforces a dangerous culture of impunity.
“The Nigerian government has failed to hold the police accountable for the horrific attacks on #EndBadGovernance protesters. Failing to hold the police accountable will only encourage the security forces to continue using firearms as a tactical tool for managing demonstrations,” the group warned.
Calling on the international community to take a firmer stance, Amnesty said: “The international community must also take a stand and call on the Nigerian government to respect and protect human rights. The use of lethal force and arbitrary arrests is unacceptable and must be condemned.”
Amnesty International concluded by urging the Nigerian government to act without further delay. “One year after the protests, the victims and survivors are still waiting for justice. The Nigerian government must take immediate action to address the human rights abuses and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
Although the protests have ended, Amnesty noted, the demand for justice and reform continues. “The #EndBadGovernance protests may be over, but the fight for justice and accountability continues.”
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