Nigeria’s security agencies are investigating at least four politicians from the northern part of the country over the use of Russian flags by #EndBadGovernance protesters. Sources told newsmen that these political figures, from Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano states, played principal roles in encouraging the display of Russian flags during demonstrations in the north, allegedly to incite an unconstitutional regime change.
“You see, four principal actors have been identified in this issue. They are top politicians from Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna, and the security agencies are closing in on them,” one source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. These politicians were also significant figures in the 2023 election.
Another source indicated external influence, stating that these politicians are colluding with entities in a West African and a European country to create unrest and promote the use of Russian flags. “They want to do here what they did in some other countries,” the source added.
Protests against hardship and hunger took a disturbing turn on Monday as demonstrators in several northern states waved Russian flags, chanting slogans such as “Tinubu must go” and “Tinubu ze soka’ kaa’sa” in Hausa, translating to “Tinubu must step down.” Protesters in Kaduna were also seen chanting support for military intervention.
The Nigerian military has declared that flying the Russian flag constitutes treason and vowed to prosecute those involved. “That is totally unacceptable…that is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such,” stated Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa after a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Monday.
The Department of State Services (DSS) announced on social media platform X.com that it had arrested tailors sewing Russian flags in Kano State and some of their sponsors. Protests featuring the flag significantly decreased on Tuesday following a crackdown by state security personnel.
READ ALSO: Protest: Kano Police Arrest Foreigner, 75 Other Suspects With 25 Russian Flags
Grassroots Parrot reported that Kano state Commissioner of Police Salman Garba reported the arrest of foreigners suspected of instigating the protests. After a security meeting with Governor Abba Yusuf, Garba announced a further relaxation of the curfew from 6 am to 6 pm and vowed to enforce state security regulations strictly.
In Gombe State, police paraded 10 suspects for waving the Russian flag during ongoing protests. Commissioner of Police Hayatu Usman condemned the display of foreign flags as disrespectful and a criminal offense. “This act not only disrespects our national symbols but also commits treasonable felony and related offences,” said police spokesman ASP Buhari Abdullahi.
The police also arrested 92 suspects for looting public and private property during the protests, which disrupted communities and harmed businesses.
READ ALSO: Immigration Vows To Arrest Diaspora Sponsors Of Hunger Protest Upon Arrival in Nigeria
Recall that President Bola Tinubu held closed-door meetings with intelligence chiefs at Aso Rock Villa on Tuesday, likely in connection with the protests. The meeting included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi, National Intelligence Agency Director-General Abubakar Ahmed, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Major General Emmanuel.
The DSS has identified some masterminds behind the Russian flag displays but has withheld their identities to avoid jeopardizing ongoing investigations. DSS Director-General Bichi, represented by spokesman Peter Afunanya, also mentioned that the protests were funded through unconventional means such as virtual currencies.
Grassroots Parrot on Tuesday also reported that the Nigeria Immigration Service has placed diaspora sponsors of the protests on a watch list, with Comptroller-General Mrs. Kemi Nandap announcing increased surveillance to prevent foreign intervention.
READ ALSO: Kano Court Remands 632 Protesters
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun revealed that some protest sponsors reside abroad and have had their accounts blocked. Chief of Defence Staff General Musa reiterated the military’s commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights while pursuing those encouraging unconstitutional government takeover. Troops across the country have been instructed to respect human rights while performing their duties.
“We encourage the youth to dialogue to understand that destruction and mob action do nobody any good,” Musa said, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution of the country’s challenges.