The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that officers used live ammunition to disperse demonstrators during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
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Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, hours after videos surfaced online showing protesters running amid the sound of gunfire. Among those at the scene was activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
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Hundeyin stated that officers only used teargas to prevent protesters from gaining access to restricted areas around the city. He explained that the sound of teargas explosions might have been mistaken for live gunfire by those unfamiliar with the difference.
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According to him, the police had issued repeated warnings to the demonstrators before taking action. He said officers acted strictly within standard operating procedures by applying minimal force after protesters ignored instructions to stay within permitted zones.
The protest, organised to demand the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, drew a large crowd in parts of Abuja before police intervention dispersed them.
As of Monday night, there were no reports of deaths or serious injuries, and the police maintained that their actions were aimed solely at maintaining order and enforcing the court’s restrictions on public gatherings in certain areas of the capital.
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