Recent reports detail two separate incidents involving law enforcement and civilians in Nigeria, highlighting concerns over the use of force and alleged extrajudicial killings.

In Abuja, a joint security taskforce comprising VIO, police, and NSCDC operatives, established by the FCT Administration, is under scrutiny following the death of a female hawker. The incident occurred during an operation aimed at enforcing the ban on commercial okada (motorcycle) operators near EFAB Estate junction along the Kubwa-Abuja expressway in the Karsana District. Witnesses claim that the taskforce, while attempting to seize motorcycles, faced resistance from the riders. Amidst the commotion, a security operative allegedly fired into the crowd, fatally hitting an ice cream vendor before the team retreated.

The aftermath of the shooting triggered a protest by commercial motorcyclists, who blocked the expressway for over an hour. Protesters reportedly set bonfires and attacked vehicles. Police intervention to disperse the crowd allegedly resulted in another fatality, with claims that live ammunition was used, leading to the death of a motorcyclist identified as Gaddafi Abubakar. Another sustained a leg fracture.

Dr. Emmanuel Musa, Chief Medical Director at Kubwa General Hospital, confirmed the deaths of two individuals brought in following the incidents. One was brought in by commercial motorcyclists, and the other by the police. The third victim, with a fracture attributed to a gunshot wound, received treatment at the hospital.

Separately, in Delta State, the Police Command’s Special Assignment Team reported killing five suspected kidnappers in a gun battle around Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and surrounding areas. According to police spokesperson Bright Edafe, a group of suspected kidnappers engaged the police in a gun duel in a forest. Five suspects sustained gunshot wounds and later died while receiving treatment.

The police also announced the arrest of Adamu Abubakar, also known as ‘Dogo,’ identified as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating at the DSC roundabout in Warri. Further arrests included Abubakar Mohammed (‘Chede’) and Mohammed Bellow, apprehended at Otovwodo park in Ughelli North Local Council. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are linked to multiple kidnappings and armed robberies in the region.

Following the arrests and acting on the suspects' confessions, police operatives were led to Iyamugo forest, where they recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, three locally made guns, two magazines, 60 rounds of Ak-47 live ammunition, and 17 live cartridges.

These incidents raise significant questions about law enforcement tactics, the use of lethal force, and the protection of civilians during security operations.