Contradiction Emerges Between IGP, Military on the Use of Live Ammunition on Protesters

A major contradiction emerged between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force regarding the use of live ammunition during recent protests in Zaria, Kaduna State.

During a media briefing in Abuja, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun firmly denied any deployment of live bullets by security forces.

He stated, "The police and the military, indeed no other security agency involved in the management of this protest has deployed excessive use of force. From our record, there were no shooting incidents by the police.

The police or military did not use any live ammunition in the management of these protests. Instead, we have had cases where our officers were injured and are in critical condition as we speak."

Egbetokun dismissed allegations of excessive force as "fake news and very wrong allegations," emphasizing that only teargas was used to manage the protests.

However, just 24 hours later, the Nigerian Army admitted that a soldier had opened fire on a protester, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old boy named Ismail Mohammed. The incident occurred in Zaria on August 6, 2024.

Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu detailed the event, stating, "On 6 August 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru in large numbers, burning tyres on the road and pelting stones on security personnel.

The troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the State Government."

Nwachukwu added, "On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted to attack the troops, prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed.

The soldier involved has since been arrested and is undergoing interrogation as of the time of this report."

This revelation starkly contrasts with the earlier claims by the police, highlighting a major discrepancy in the accounts provided by the two security agencies.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism and calls for accountability, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar issuing a stern warning to service chiefs, stating, "Those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity."