Amnesty International has raised alarm over the continued denial of justice to victims and survivors of the #EndBadGovernance protests, which erupted across Nigeria in August 2024.
In a statement released on Friday, August 1, 2025, the global human rights organisation criticised Nigerian authorities for failing to hold security operatives accountable for human rights violations committed during the protests.
The protests, which began on August 1 and lasted for ten days, were driven by widespread discontent over governance failures, economic hardship, and inflation-induced food and fuel price hikes. Demonstrations took place across major cities and states including Kano, Borno, Katsina, Niger, and Kaduna, but turned deadly when security forces reportedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators.
According to Amnesty International, at least 24 protesters were killed by police officers between August 1 and 10, 2024, during crackdowns in six northern states. Many more were arrested and charged, with some still facing trial in courts across Abuja, Kano, Jigawa, and Kaduna.
“The Nigerian authorities are yet to take appropriate and effective measures to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
The organisation’s findings further allege that police officers fired live bullets at close range, often targeting the head and chest of protesters, indicating a shoot-to-kill strategy.
“We interviewed survivors who sustained bullet wounds to the arms and legs. Others were exposed to excessive tear gas, leading to suffocation,” Amnesty reported.
It also detailed accounts of torture and starvation in detention, including incidents involving minors. One such case reportedly led to the collapse of a child defendant in court during a hearing in Abuja on November 1, 2024.
Amnesty International condemned what it described as “sham trials” of protesters in Borno, where some were convicted and sentenced to community service, flogging, or imprisonment. One group, dubbed the “Zanga Zanga” protesters, was charged with allegedly conspiring to take up arms against the state.
In Abuja, protesters still face charges such as inciting mutiny, destabilising the nation, and levying war against the state. Amnesty described these accusations as baseless.
“The Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests is a clear demonstration of its utter disregard for human rights,” Sanusi declared.
He stressed that justice remains elusive, even one year after the incidents. “The Nigerian government must take immediate steps to investigate these violations, ensure accountability, and bring justice to victims and survivors.”
Amnesty also urged the international community to speak up against the violations and pressure the Nigerian government to end the cycle of abuse and impunity.
“The use of lethal force and arbitrary arrests must be condemned. Citizens have the right to demand better governance without fear of being killed or imprisoned,” the statement added.
While the protests may have ended, the organisation concluded, “the demand for accountability continues.”
