Police Deny Firing Live Bullets, Say Only Tear Gas Used to Disperse Abuja Protesters

The Nigeria Police Force have dismissed claims that officers fired live ammunition during Monday’s protest in Abuja calling for the release of detained separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The protest, which drew hundreds of supporters of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was held around key government areas in the Federal Capital Territory. Police officers were deployed in large numbers to maintain order and prevent the demonstrators from advancing towards sensitive locations such as the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa.

Speaking on Politics Today, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that only tear gas was used to disperse the crowd, not live bullets.

“I can state it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today; it’s very easy for people who are not familiar with the sounds to mistake the firing of tear gas for live ammunition,” Hundeyin said.

He explained that the protesters attempted to breach restricted areas, prompting the use of minimum force to restore calm.

Hundeyin also urged Nigerians to disregard circulating videos suggesting that officers fired live rounds, describing them as misleading.

“We urge citizens to verify information before sharing, as such false claims can heighten tension and disrupt public peace,” he added.

The protest was organized to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021 on charges bordering on terrorism and incitement. Kanu’s supporters argue that his prolonged detention violates court rulings ordering his release.