Nigerian security agencies are investigating four politicians from the northern region over their involvement in the use of Russian flags by #EndBadGovernance protesters. Sources indicate these political figures, hailing from Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano states, played key roles in inciting demonstrators to use Russian flags to push for unconstitutional regime change.
A source disclosed, “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.” Another source noted evidence of external influence, involving West African and European countries, aimed at causing unrest and promoting the use of Russian flags.
On Monday, nationwide protests against hardship and hunger escalated, with protesters in some northern states waving Russian flags and demanding President Tinubu’s resignation. In Kaduna, demonstrators were seen waving the Russian flag and chanting, “Tinubu must step down.”
The Nigerian military declared the act of flying the Russian flag as treason and vowed to prosecute those involved. Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stated that the military is investigating the instigators and will take serious action against them.
The Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed the arrest of some tailors sewing Russian flags in Kano State and their sponsors. The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, announced the arrest of some foreigners suspected of being behind the protests. In Gombe State, the police arrested 10 suspects for waving Russian flags during the protests.
President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with intelligence chiefs at the Aso Rock Villa, likely in connection with the ongoing protests. The DSS identified masterminds of the prevalent Russian flags, stating that revealing their identities could jeopardize investigations. The DSS also highlighted that protest sponsors were using unconventional means to raise funds.
The Nigeria Immigration Service placed sponsors of the protests residing outside the country on its watch list, ready to hand them over to appropriate agencies upon their arrival in Nigeria. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed ongoing trials for suspects arrested during the protests and emphasized that the police did not use excessive force.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, reiterated the commitment to respecting human rights while dealing with those encouraging unconstitutional government takeovers. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, assured coordinated efforts to restore peace and security.
The #EndBadGovernance organizers and various groups, including Afenifere and PANDEF, condemned the use of the Russian flag, dissociating themselves from the call for President Tinubu’s resignation. They emphasized the focus on justice and accountability without distractions.
