Tinubu orders security agents to crackdown on protesters flying Russian flags

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to go after protesters flying Russian flags within Nigeria.

This was disclosed by General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, during a briefing with newsmen after a National Security Council meeting on Monday.

He revealed that the service chiefs briefed the president on the ongoing security challenges, particularly those arising from nationwide hunger protests that have turned chaotic in some states.

“Initially, when the protest started they said it was a peaceful protest but we have realized that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem. And we can see clearly what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over with a lot of looting taking place, stealing, and all sorts happening,” he stated.

“The situation escalated to a point of concern when foreign flags were seen flown within Nigeria, which General Musa emphasized is “totally unacceptable

“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 offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual”, he added.

General Musa noted that those flying foreign flags were predominantly young people being 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 reaffirmed the commitment of all security agencies to defend democracy and the sovereignty of Nigeria.

“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.”

The Chief of Defence Staff reiterated that the military would intervene if the protests became uncontrollable.

“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.”

Recall that Mr Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, urged the organizers of the nationwide protests to suspend their activities due to the violence and destruction occurring in some states.

He warned that he would not tolerate any attempts to undermine democracy, stressing that the protests had led to loss of lives and property damage.

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