Police Deny Firing Live Ammunition During #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied reports that its officers used live ammunition against protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration in Abuja.
Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told Politics Today on Channels Television that only teargas was deployed to disperse demonstrators who tried to breach court-restricted areas.
“I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition,” Hundeyin said.
He explained that the sound of teargas canisters being fired is often mistaken for gunfire. “It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot,” he added.
Hundeyin said police acted after protesters ignored repeated warnings to stay away from prohibited areas. “We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back, but they were adamant and approaching these areas,” he said.
He noted that officers followed standard operating procedures and used minimal force appropriate to the resistance encountered.
During the protest, teargas canisters were fired at commuters in Abuja’s Central Business District, affecting those waiting for transport. Eight protesters were reportedly arrested on the first day of the marches.
The demonstration, led by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate, demands the release of Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader, who has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest in June 2021 and is currently on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
