Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have urged law enforcement agencies to furnish detailed updates regarding the welfare of protesters and individuals who continue to face legal proceedings in court.
Representing them, Salaudeen Hashim, who serves as the Programme Director at the CLEEN Foundation, addressed reporters stating that the purpose of the media interaction was to share insights regarding their investigation into the "#EndBadGovernance" demonstrations that swept across the nation in 2024.
He mentioned that throughout the ten-day demonstrations occurring from August 1st to 10th, 2024, although security forces demonstrated professionalism at times, investigations showed that details regarding those detained were limited.
In order to achieve this, he urged law enforcement agencies to supply detailed information regarding the location and health status of individuals who have been apprehended.
The CSOs further recommended that law enforcement agencies should make sure their responses during future interactions with protests are proportionate to both the behavior of the crowds and the prevailing atmosphere.
Law enforcement agencies ought to implement a graduated response strategy that initiates with the least intensive form of crowd management and permits rapid intensification solely when required.
Associated News N70 billion scam: ZLP calls for openness and responsibility in Bauchi’s financial matters Mining officials apprehend 327 unauthorized miners and reclaim 98 locations over twelve months — Alake NAFDAC annihilates counterfeit medications valued at N100 trillionWhen law enforcement intervention is necessary, it should target solely those individuals exhibiting harmful behaviors like aggression, vandalism, or significant criminal activities.
He highlighted the importance of training officers in proper procedures for managing crowds, noting, "When possible, collaborative training sessions involving several agencies can enhance responsiveness and readiness for large events."
He stated, "It is crucial to have guidelines and protocols for detaining, arresting, and handling numerous people, along with specifying the required evidentiary standards for each individual apprehension."
He urged the Federal Government to bolster the police force by providing officers with contemporary equipment via the Police Trust Fund, including items like rubber bullets, water cannons, and obligatory body cameras connected to the Police C4i system.
He proposed using cameras at demonstrations, arrest sites, and roadblocks to oversee police behavior, emphasizing that publicly released reports would ensure accountability. To stop future violations of protesters' rights, the Police Service Commission should penalize officers who act improperly.
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