Amnesty International reports over 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters are detained across Nigeria after nationwide demonstrations against economic hardship. The protests, which turned violent in some areas, led to mass arrests. Amnesty urges the Nigerian government to release the protesters and respect their rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.
Amnesty International has raised concerns about the ongoing crackdown on protesters in Nigeria, reporting that over 1,000 individuals have been remanded across the country following nationwide demonstrations against economic hardship. These protests, which took place from August 1–10, were driven by demands for reduced government spending, a return to the petrol subsidy, enhanced food security, and stricter fiscal discipline.
The demonstrations, while largely peaceful, escalated into violence in certain areas, leading to incidents of looting and vandalism. In response, law enforcement agencies launched a series of arrests, with numerous individuals detained in various states.
In a recent statement on its X page, Amnesty International condemned the legal proceedings against 441 protesters in Kano, labeling them as an "unfair trial." The organization urged the Nigerian government to immediately release all those detained and emphasized the importance of respecting citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.
“The Nigerian authorities are intensifying their crackdown on peaceful protesters who are standing against hunger and corruption,” Amnesty International stated. “We once again call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The Nigerian government must uphold its obligation to protect these fundamental rights.”
