The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from Amnesty International regarding a publication titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on End Bad Governance Protests.” The demand was formally communicated via a letter dated January 6, 2025.

The publication in question, which Amnesty International released, includes numerous unsubstantiated claims that accuse the Nigeria Police of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests. “Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation,” stated the NPF.

The NPF emphasized that during the protests, the Police acted with restraint and professionalism, even in the face of provocation and violent attacks. “The Police adhered to global best practices and used minimal force where necessary. Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the Police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters. Criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were arrested and dealt with according to law,” the NPF asserted.

The Nigeria Police Force strongly believes that Amnesty International’s misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence it has worked diligently to build with Nigerian citizens and residents. “The Force further underscores that such false claims harm the reputation of the organization and demoralize its officers who risk their lives to protect the public,” emphasized ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer.

In light of these falsehoods, the NPF has demanded that Amnesty International issue a formal retraction and public apology within seven days. “Failure to comply will prompt the NPF to consider legal actions to protect its reputation,” warned ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its duty of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, upholding the law, and earning the trust of the people it serves. “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its duty of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, upholding the law, and earning the trust of the people it serves,” reiterated ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Two former medical students from Kano State, who were sponsored to study at October 6 University in Egypt, have expressed their frustration over the non-receipt of their certificates five years after completing their degrees. Tajuddin Isah Ibrahim and Muzammil Muhammad, among the 40 students sponsored by the administration of His Excellency Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 2013, have been unable to practice medicine due to the withheld certificates.

Tajuddin Isah Ibrahim shared their plight, stating, “My name is Tajuddin Isah Ibrahim, and I am among the 40 students sponsored by the administration of His Excellency Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to study at October 6 University in Egypt in the year 2013. However, I and my colleague Muzammil Muhammad are yet to collect our certificates after completing our medicine degree in the year 2019.”

The students inquired about the reason for withholding their certificates and were informed by the school that the full tuition fees for the two of them had not been received. “The school stated that they have not received the full tuition fees for the two of us, while the rest of our colleagues have been paid their full tuition fees and have collected their certificates. This makes us unable to practice, and we’ve been left stranded since the completion of our studies,” Tajuddin explained.

Despite their efforts to urge the previous government of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to pay the remaining fees, their attempts were unsuccessful. “We did everything possible to urge the previous government of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to pay the remaining fees, but it failed,” Tajuddin lamented.

The students are now appealing to the current administration of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to address their situation and facilitate the collection of their certificates. “We are appealing to this Government of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to please look into our plight and devise a means to collect our certificates. The knowledge and skills acquired will be of significant value to the health sector of Kano State,” Tajuddin stated.

They also expressed their appreciation for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s efforts in uplifting education and healthcare in Kano State. “We also appreciate His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his effort in uplifting education and healthcare in Kano State,” Tajuddin added.

Despite their continued efforts to resolve the issue, the students have not attained any success and are now considering retaking the JAMB exam to start afresh. “We did everything possible to see our plight resolved by the Government of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf without attaining any success up to this point that we finally start to think about retaking the JAMB exam and starting afresh,” Tajuddin concluded.

A retired army general, Ishola Williams, has lambasted northern leaders for their alleged inaction in addressing the region’s insecurity challenges.

The general’s criticism comes amid escalating concerns over terrorism, insurgency, and banditry in the North, which have led to widespread attacks and displacement of communities

Williams, in an interview with Sunday Punch, emphasized that the situation has spiralled out of control, with bandits now operating freely and controlling large areas in the North.

He argued that this is no longer just a matter of terrorism but a more complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach.

The retired general suggested that the military’s role should be focused on protecting the territorial integrity of the country rather than pursuing bandits, which is the responsibility of the Mobile Police.

He also advocated for the separation of National Paramilitary Force from the police service, recommending that it should be an independent entity.

Williams pointed out the claims of collusion between security agencies and bandits, saying, “Do they have the will to face the bandits and defeat them? For me, if they don’t have the will, it simply means they are useless.”

He emphasized that the military’s primary role is to protect the country’s territorial integrity, not to engage in internal counterterrorism operations.

Williams proposed strengthening paramilitary police forces, such as the mobile police, to combat insurgency effectively.

He criticized the reliance on the military to perform roles meant for specialized agencies and called for the restructuring of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The military is doing the job of the mobile police,” Williams said.

“The mobile police was created separately from the regular police, with a different uniform and training, to carry guns like soldiers and fight bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents.”

Williams also addressed the political dimensions of insecurity, advocating for political solutions alongside military efforts. He suggested that releasing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and engaging regional leaders could quell unrest in the South-East. “The killings and attacks will stop if a political solution is found,” he asserted.

In the northern security crisis, Williams blamed governors for their inaction, particularly regarding the Almajiri system and the influence of traditional rulers. He cited instances of collaboration between traditional leaders and bandits, saying, “They (Governors) are not serious. If they can not take care of Almajiri, can they take care of the terrorists?