Nigeria’s security agencies are investigating four northern politicians over the use of Russian flags by protesters during the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
These politicians, from Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano states, allegedly encouraged the use of the flags to promote unconstitutional regime change.
A source revealed, “Four principal actors have been identified. They are top politicians from Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna, and the security agencies are closing in on them.” The source also mentioned that these politicians played prominent roles in the 2023 elections.
Another source mentioned evidence of external influence, “The politicians are collaborating with a West African and a European country to cause mayhem and promote the use of these flags. They want to replicate in Nigeria what has happened in other countries.”
Protesters in some northern states waved Russian flags and chanted slogans against President Tinubu. In Kaduna, they chanted in Hausa, “Tinubu must step down” and expressed support for military intervention.
The Nigerian military warned that displaying the Russian flag constituted treason. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa stated, “That is totally unacceptable. It is a treasonable offense and will be treated as such.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) announced the arrest of some tailors sewing Russian flags in Kano State and some sponsors. The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said, “There are ongoing investigations, and we may not reveal all details now.”
In Kano, the state police arrested some foreigners suspected of instigating the protests. Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, emphasized the commitment to maintaining security, “We will clamp down on anyone who violates the security regulations of the state.”
Similarly, in Gombe State, the police paraded ten suspects for waving the Russian flag during protests. Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, said, “The display of another country’s flag is disrespectful to the nation.”
President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with intelligence chiefs to address the ongoing protests. Although the details of the meeting were not disclosed, it was likely connected to the protests.
The DSS reported that the protests’ sponsors used unconventional methods to fund their activities. DSS boss Bichi noted, “People are using bitcoins and virtual currency to raise financing. We are addressing all these issues.”
The Nigeria Immigration Service placed protest sponsors residing abroad on a watch list. Comptroller-General Mrs. Kemi Nandap stated, “We have added them to our watch list and will notify the necessary authorities if they attempt to enter the country.”
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the commencement of trials for suspects arrested during the protests. Egbetokun emphasized that the police did not use excessive force, “We did not deploy excessive force. Instead, we had attacks on security agents during the protest.”
Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, assured that security forces would respect human rights while addressing the protests, “We will remain focused and committed, respecting the rights of everyone while pursuing those encouraging unconstitutional actions.”
Protest organizers distanced themselves from the use of Russian flags. Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, stated, “Our demands are clearly outlined, and the waving of Russian flags is unrelated to our struggle.”
Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum condemned the use of Russian flags. Chief Kole Omololu of Afenifere called for the government to punish those responsible, “This action is calling for a coup and should be treated as treason.”
In Rivers State, protesters marched to a mansion belonging to former governor Nyesom Wike, chanting slogans against him. The police prevented the protesters from approaching the residence.