Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to take disciplinary measures against officers who violate protesters’ rights, emphasizing the need to prevent future occurrences.
The CSOs also demanded that law enforcement agencies provide full disclosure on the status of arrested protesters and those still undergoing legal proceedings.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kaduna, Salaudeen Hashim, Program Director at the CLEEN Foundation, shared insights from the #EndBadGovernance protests held between August 1 and 10, 2024. He emphasized that security forces should only intervene in cases where individuals engage in violent acts, destruction of property, or other serious offenses, rather than targeting peaceful demonstrators.
“Although some security personnel acted professionally, there is still insufficient information regarding those arrested during the demonstrations,” Hashim stated. He urged authorities to reveal details about their condition and location.
The CSOs recommended that security agencies adopt a measured approach when handling protests, ensuring their response aligns with the crowd’s behavior. They proposed a step-by-step strategy that begins with minimal force and escalates only if necessary.
To enhance policing standards, the CSOs stressed the importance of specialized training in crowd control, including inter-agency collaboration to improve coordination during mass protests. They also highlighted the need for clear procedures on detaining and processing individuals during large gatherings.
Furthermore, they urged the federal government to equip law enforcement officers with modern non-lethal tools such as rubber bullets, water cannons, and body cameras linked to the Police C4i intelligence unit. They insisted that these cameras should be mandatory during protests, arrests, and security checkpoints to ensure accountability.
Addressing the broader implications of the #EndBadGovernance movement, Hashim noted that the protests had significantly influenced Nigeria’s political environment by reinforcing citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and free expression, as outlined in Sections 35-40 of the Constitution.
The CSOs also raised concerns about the Public Order Act, arguing that it grants excessive power to state governors and police authorities, which could be misused to suppress lawful demonstrations. They pointed out that some provisions of the law may contradict constitutional rights and lack judicial oversight.
While some view the legislation as necessary for maintaining public order, critics argue that alternative methods exist that do not infringe on fundamental freedoms. The CSOs encouraged security agencies to engage with protest leaders to facilitate peaceful demonstrations rather than resorting to mass arrests.
Additionally, they advocated for transparent communication between law enforcement and the public before, during, and after protests to foster trust and prevent unnecessary confrontations.
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