President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for security agencies to address the issue of individuals flying the Russian flag within Nigeria.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this decision was announced by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, following a National Security Council meeting.
Musa stated that the service chiefs had updated the President on the current security situation in the country, emphasizing that the briefing was prompted by the recent nationwide protests, which had escalated into violence in certain states.
“Initially, when the protest started they said it was a peaceful protest but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem,” said Musa.
He added, “And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over with a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.”
The situation became more alarming with the appearance of foreign flags being flown within Nigeria, an act deemed unacceptable by the government
“We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual,” Musa warned.
The general noted that those involved in flying these foreign flags were mostly children manipulated by others.
“We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Some people are pushing them because the flags were also made. We have identified those behind it and we are going to take serious action against them. The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria,” he stated.
The CDS reassured that all security agencies are committed to defending the nation’s democracy and sovereignty.
“We will not accept anyone taking any action, for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for, democracy is what we will continue to defend,” he affirmed.
Musa further highlighted the military’s readiness to intervene if the protests spiral out of control, stating, “You can see that some subversive elements are pushing individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria; that is crossing the red line, and we will not accept that.
President Tinubu, in a national broadcast on Sunday, had already appealed to the protest organizers to halt their actions due to the violence and resultant loss of life and property in some states.
He also emphasized that he would not permit any individuals, potentially influenced by opposition politicians, to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
The meeting was attended by key security officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and all service chiefs.
