The Nigerian Army on Saturday, said live bullets were taken to the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2020 #EndSARS protest for protection but not fired at protesters.
The clarifications were made while testifying before the judicial panel set up by the Lagos State government set up to probe the incident.
It reaffirmed the earlier testimonies before the panel through the Commander of 81 Military Intelligence Brigade, Victoria Island, Lagos, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Taiwo, that no live rounds were fired at the scene.
Commenting on the incident during cross-examined by Olumide Fusika, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Taiwo insisted that the live rounds were not used on protesters.
He said the live bullets were meant for the protection of the army team deployed to restore order in the state.
“We had men and materials – vehicles and rifles for shooting. A portion of the force were carrying live bullets in case they are attacked. Another portion will carry magazines charged with blank ammunition,” Taiwo said.
While being cross-examined by another counsel to #EndSARS protesters, Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana, Mr Taiwo said the military acted professionally and within the army’s rules of engagement.
