The Executive Director of the foundation made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Olugbuo said the foundation was concerned over reports of police officers allegedly enforcing government directives by destroying businesses of some citizens.
Also, Lockdown enforcement: NHRC urges the public to report any human rights violations by operatives.
According to him, the act is flouting of government’s directives and those involved should be called to order immediately.
“Security agencies and its agents should be professional in enforcing government’s orders on lockdown and they should minimise the use of force in securing compliance.
“Security personnel deployed to monitor and enforce compliance of government directives should work within the provisions of the Nigerian constitution and rules of engagement in policing vulnerable groups and communities during this difficult period.
“They should work with community policing outfits where applicable to engender communal trust in raising awareness and enforcing the government’s directives.
“Oversight bodies of the security agencies should monitor the conduct of security personnel during this pandemic and should commit to applying appropriate sanctions in the event of any rights violations,” he said.
He tasked the security on collective responsibility to end the COVID -19 pandemic while respecting the human rights of citizens across the country.
He also advised Nigerians to observe the government’s directive to stay at home as part of their civic responsibility to curb the spread of the disease in an orderly and peaceful manner.
He cautioned citizens against spreading fake news, disinformation or misinformation on the pandemic, conducts of security personnel, and health workers practice.
Olugbuo also urged citizens across the nation to comply with security personnel, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organisation (WHO), and other government preventive measures to check the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
He appealed to the media to balance their reportage with adequate reporting of the efforts of the government and the citizens in the fight against the pandemic.
He said the media should be professional in their conduct and comply with their codes of conduct for transparent media coverage by avoiding sentiments while reporting efforts of governments.
