Military takes a firm stance as pro-Russia demonstrations spread
In various states such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Bauchi, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended over 30 #Endbadgovernance protesters for displaying Russian flags.
According to the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, a total of 873 protesters, including a tailor named Ahmed Bello who was caught with a large quantity of flags in Kano, have been taken into custody by the police.
These events unfolded following a directive from President Bola Tinubu instructing security agencies to clamp down on individuals waving Russian flags.
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, addressed reporters on Monday after the National Security Council meeting, which was attended by all service chiefs, Vice President Kashim Shetima, Nuhu Ribadu (National Security Adviser), and Kayode Egbetokun (Inspector-General of Police).
The President was briefed by the service chiefs on the current security landscape in the country, particularly in light of the ongoing nationwide protests that have escalated into violence in some regions.
Addressing the situation, Gen. Musa expressed concern over the emergence of foreign flags being waved within Nigeria’s borders, deeming it unacceptable.
He issued a stern warning on behalf of the President, emphasizing that the display of any foreign flag in Nigeria is a treasonable act that will not be tolerated.
The General highlighted that most individuals waving foreign flags were minors being influenced to do so, with sponsors behind the provocative acts.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving peace and democracy, emphasizing the readiness of security agencies to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
Regarding the ongoing protests, Gen. Musa restated the military’s readiness to intervene should the situation escalate beyond control, particularly condemning the display of Russian flags as a crossing of the red line.
In a national address on Sunday, President Tinubu appealed to protest organizers to halt their activities due to the violence and destruction that had ensued in some areas.
During a joint press briefing in Abuja, Police spokesperson Adejobi disclosed that efforts were underway to apprehend other suspects, especially those sponsoring protesters waving Russian flags.
Protesters not only voiced grievances over economic hardships resulting from fuel subsidy removal but also called for intervention from Russian President Vladimir Putin, as seen in various demonstrations where Russian flags were prominently displayed.
Images and videos circulating online depicted protesters waving Russian flags while chanting slogans denouncing bad governance.
In Kaduna, demonstrators were also observed displaying Russian flags and chanting slogans welcoming Russia, emphasizing their demands for change.
The demonstrators marched through specific routes in various states, conveying their discontent and aspirations for a different style of governance inspired by Russia.
The protests have elicited government responses, with security agencies taking stringent measures to address the demonstrations and prevent any further disruptions.
The escalation of tensions in affected regions prompted emergency meetings among North governors and security forces, leading to the imposition of curfews in certain states to maintain order.
The Department of State Services reported arrests of tailors responsible for sewing Russian flags in Kano, as investigations continue to uncover sponsors linked to the provocative acts.
An Emergency Meeting Held at the Government House by the Council
The Governor, in his address at the commencement of the session, emphasized the imperative nature of the meeting in light of the recent infrastructure damage in the state.
The meeting was attended by representatives of various security forces, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and youth groups among others.
Additionally, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, conducted an impromptu security meeting with security agency heads to evaluate the situation following the unexpected emergence of protestors waving Russian flags in the streets on Monday.
Following the meeting, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced a 24-hour curfew for Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities to uphold law and order.
The curfew’s main objective is to tackle the rising security concerns and prevent further disturbances in the affected areas.
It was revealed that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf conducted a series of security meetings with security agency heads in response to the anti-hunger protests that escalated into violence.
A source from the Government House disclosed that these meetings were part of a strategy to assess the security situation in the state following widespread looting and destruction by hoodlums in Kano.
The Government has been actively engaging in security meetings over the past few days to evaluate the state’s security situation, the source emphasized.
Concurrently, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, chaired an extended emergency security meeting to analyze the circumstances and establish a unified approach to prevent future occurrences.
The meeting, with security agency heads, commissioners, local government chairpersons, and traditional rulers, focused on appraising the security situation post-protests and implementing measures to prevent recurrences, ensuring residents’ safety across the state.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, highlighted the government’s acknowledgment of the protests’ roots in economic hardships and expressed commitment to promptly addressing these concerns.
He reiterated the public’s role in supporting the government and security forces for collective security of lives and property.
The government also plans to distribute another round of food palliatives to aid vulnerable households throughout the state, aiming to provide immediate relief during these challenging times.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Hayatu Usman, reaffirmed the security agencies’ dedication to upholding law and order, assuring the public of their safety and urging for calm and peaceful conduct.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation from the public and avoiding actions that could incite violence or disrupt peace, stating that protests are permissible when conducted within legal boundaries.
Elsewhere, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, convened a State Security Council Meeting to evaluate the prevailing security situation in the state following the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
In a statement released by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the curfew was initiated in response to reported looting incidents by hoodlums in the Bauchi Road community and Zolo Junction on Sunday.
Meanwhile, miscreants engaged in destructive activities at various locations including arson at the University of Jos gate and vandalism of shops at the Dilimi community in Jos, the state capital.
The security meeting, overseen by Governor Mutfwang, was attended by security agency heads, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, and other high-ranking officials to devise strategies to safeguard lives and property from miscreant actions.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Adesina, briefed the press post-meeting, urging compliance with the earlier imposed curfew on Jos and Bukuru metropolis and reporting 14 arrests made for curfew violations.
He affirmed the resolve of security agencies to enforce the curfew rigorously to prosecute violators and maintain law and order in response to the recent escalation of violence.
Additionally, in response to the flag-waving incidents, police spokesman Adejobi raised concerns about individuals brandishing foreign flags, citing it as a criminal offense.
He provided details of the arrests made and affirmed the strict enforcement of laws to prevent such actions from threatening national peace and stability.
Moreover, he addressed queries regarding the release of EndSARS protesters, explaining that individuals in correctional facilities had been charged with criminal offenses and emphasizing adherence to legal processes.
Urging restraint and lawful behavior, especially in the context of protests, Adejobi reiterated the importance of maintaining order and peace within the country.
The Federal Government is urged to release individuals imprisoned for participating in the EndSARS protests, as there are claims of seven names being detained.
Allegations have been made by The Take It Back Movement regarding a statement from the police denying the presence of protesters in Nigerian facilities.
The incarcerated individuals are said to be those in correctional facilities facing charges related to crimes such as armed robbery and murder, not EndSARS protesters, according to Adejobi.
Adejobi emphasized that among those in prison is a person who allegedly raided the Oba of Lagos’ palace, questioning the connection of such actions to the EndSARS protests.
During a nationwide broadcast, the President cautioned protesters against being manipulated by what he referred to as “enemies of democracy” aiming to destabilize the government.
Security operatives in the Federal Capital Territory escalated efforts to prevent street demonstrations by dispersing protesters with tear gas and arresting three individuals in different areas.
The arrest of Adaramoye Michael, known as Michael Lenin, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, by the Department of State Services (DSS) at his residence, sparked controversy.
Despite the DSS denying Lenin’s arrest, advocates like Damilare Adenola insisted that he was indeed detained and demanded his immediate release.
Lenin, who criticized President Tinubu’s broadcast, was reportedly among the activists targeted by security forces, leading to his apprehension.
Organizers of the #Endbadgovernance protest vowed to take legal action against President Tinubu and present their case to international bodies, citing alleged human rights violations.
The New Nigeria People’s Party distanced itself from protesters holding Russian flags during demonstrations in Kano and Kaduna, alleging that individuals from neighboring countries were behind the display.
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement denying involvement in the protests and emphasized its respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, clarifying that the actions of protesters with Russian flags were personal choices not backed by the Russian government.