In a recent development, the Nigerian Army has confirmed that a soldier fatally shot a 16-year-old boy named Ismail Mohammed during protests in Zaria, Kaduna State. This admission contradicts earlier statements from the police.
On August 7, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun denied that live ammunition was used against protesters. He stated that neither the police nor the military had used live bullets, only tear gas. Egbetokun also claimed that reports of excessive force were false and described them as fake news.
However, just a day later, the Nigerian Army acknowledged that a soldier had indeed fired a shot during the protests on August 6. Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu explained that the soldier was responding to a group that was throwing stones and burning tires. The warning shot accidentally killed Ismail Mohammed. The soldier involved is now under investigation.
