General Christopher Mustapha, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has issued a stern warning against displaying the Russian flag, stating that it constitutes a treasonable offense. This caution comes amidst reports of #EndBadGovernance protesters in the northern region of Nigeria waving the Russian flag as their demonstrations reached Day 5.
The CDS expressed strong disapproval of the act, emphasizing its unacceptable nature. “We have witnessed foreign flags being flown within Nigeria’s sovereign territory, and this is completely unacceptable. We are making it clear, as directed by the President, that flying any foreign flag in Nigeria will not be tolerated,” General Mustapha declared during a briefing in Abuja following a meeting with other service chiefs and security agency heads alongside President Bola Tinubu.
“Such actions are considered treasonable and will be treated accordingly. No one should allow themselves to be manipulated by others,” he added.
Crackdown on Foreign Flags and Sponsors
General Mustapha suggested that many of those carrying the flags are young individuals being sponsored, which he described as crossing a “red line.” Security agencies have already detained suspects involved in the mass production of the flags, with the Department of State Service (DSS) apprehending their sponsors in Kano.
“Many of these flag-bearers are children being exploited. We are investigating those behind this, as these flags were manufactured. We’ve pinpointed the responsible parties and will take stringent action,” the CDS stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to uphold Nigeria’s democracy. “Regarding any potential coups, Nigeria is a sovereign, democratic nation. All security forces are dedicated to defending democracy and ensuring its continuation. We will not tolerate any actions that suggest or attempt to instigate a change of government,” he asserted.
Protests, Presidential Response, and Civil Unrest
The #EndBadGovernance protests began on August 1, with Nigerians taking to the streets to voice their grievances about the country’s deteriorating economy, including the significant devaluation of the naira and rising living costs.
After three days of protests, President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation, urging demonstrators to cease their actions, assuring them that their concerns had been acknowledged. He reiterated the government’s commitment to removing the fuel subsidy, which had significantly increased fuel prices, and invited protesters to engage in dialogue. He also highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to tackle inflation, which has reached 34%.
While the protests were initially peaceful, they have escalated in some areas, particularly in the northern region, leading to looting and property destruction. In response, several state governments have implemented measures, including curfews, which are now being eased. Despite these interventions, the protests persist, with participants continuing to wave the Russian flag and engage in destructive activities.
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