In Nigeria, 51 civilians, 11 police officers and seven soldiers have been killed in protests against the brutality of a special police unit for about two weeks, President Muhammad Bukhari said on Friday. This is the first time the President has acknowledged the loss of life in these protests. He did not say whether security forces were responsible for the deaths of the civilian population, but noted that “rioters had killed” 11 police officers and seven soldiers. “Throughout this turmoil, security agencies observed extreme restraint,” Buhari said in a virtual meeting with former Nigerian leaders about the security situation in the country. However, the UN and other international organizations have noted that security forces carried out a bloody attack on protesters on Tuesday night who did not observe the curfew in Lagos. Amnesty International said at least 12 protesters were killed on Tuesday night alone. Bukhari noted that he had conceded to the protesters and the government had agreed to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS), but “protesters refused to withdraw the protest”. “Instead, they were encouraged and gradually became violent,” the president said. “Unfortunately, the initial real (..) youth protest in part of the country against SARS has been kidnapped and misdirected,” Buhari added. Extensive damage was done during the riots and thousands of prisoners were released from prisons. One of Nigeria’s main prisons was set on fire on Thursday.
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