CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, has denied that police fired live bullets during Monday’s FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Hundeyin said officers used only teargas to control demonstrators trying to enter restricted areas.
Videos of protesters, including Omoyele Sowore, running for cover as gunfire-like sounds echoed through the air went viral earlier that day.
Hundeyin clarified that what people heard were teargas discharges, not gunfire.
“I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition,” he said.
“People unfamiliar with the sound can mistake teargas for live bullets. Both make similar popping, explosion-like sounds.”
He added that police used minimal force only after protesters ignored repeated verbal warnings.
“We made it clear we would enforce the court order and warned them not to go beyond restricted areas, but they were adamant,” Hundeyin explained.
“We followed standard operating procedures and applied only force proportionate to the resistance we faced.”
