#FreeNnamdikanu: “We Didn’t Fire Live Rounds At Protesters” — Police Reply Sowore
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that its operatives fired live bullets at protesters during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration in Abuja on Monday.
The protest, convened by Politician and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other supporters of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, drew a large crowd demanding Kanu’s immediate release.
Amid viral videos showing protesters fleeing amid thick smoke and loud popping sounds, Sowore alleged that security operatives, including the police and soldiers, fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse peaceful demonstrators. Several people, including journalists and lawyers, were reportedly arrested.
However, the Force Headquarters dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. In a statement on Monday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said no live bullets were used during the operation.
“At no point did the police fire live ammunition at any protester. What people heard were sounds from tear gas canisters used to disperse those who attempted to breach restricted areas,” Hundeyin said.
He explained that the police acted lawfully and in line with standard operational procedures, adding that officers only used minimal force to maintain order after protesters defied warnings and tried to access secured zones around the Presidential Villa, National Assembly and Eagle Square.
Hundeyin said the operation was guided by a valid court order obtained last week restricting demonstrations in those areas, which the police described as “critical national infrastructure.”
“Our duty is to protect lives and property. The court order clearly prohibited gatherings within sensitive zones of the Federal Capital Territory, and our officers only enforced that order,” he added.
But the organizers of the protest have accused the police of using excessive force. Sowore, in a statement posted on social media, insisted that both live bullets and tear gas were fired at peaceful protesters, describing the action as “a gross violation of fundamental rights.”
“They attacked unarmed citizens who were only exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and speak out. We will not be intimidated,” Sowore said.
The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest was one of several demonstrations recently held to pressure the Federal Government to comply with court orders granting the IPOB leader bail.
Human rights observers have called for an independent investigation into the conduct of security forces during the protest, amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s handling of civic demonstrations.
•INDEPENDENTNG.