The Nigeria Police Force has taken action by detaining over 30 #Endbadgovernance protesters who were seen displaying Russian flags in various states such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Bauchi.
A total of 873 protesters, including a tailor named Ahmed Bello, were arrested for possession of multiple flags in Kano, as confirmed by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi.
In response to these incidents, President Bola Tinubu has instructed security agencies to crackdown on individuals waving Russian flags within the country.
During a briefing with State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting, Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
The meeting was attended by top officials including Vice President Kashim Shetima, Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, where they briefed the President on the prevailing security conditions in the country.
Reiterating the government’s stance, Gen. Musa warned against the presence of foreign flags within Nigeria’s borders, labeling it as unacceptable.
He emphasized that flying foreign flags will be considered a serious offense and treated as an act of treason, with severe consequences for those involved.
In addressing the recent protests and escalating violence in some regions, he highlighted the government’s firm stand against any disruption to the peace and sovereignty of Nigeria.
The military’s readiness to defend democracy and the nation’s integrity was reiterated by Gen. Musa, underscoring that any attempt to incite change in government through unlawful means will not be tolerated.
Referring to the protesters waving Russian flags, he stated that such actions crossed a red line and indicated that the military would intervene if necessary.
President Tinubu made a televised plea urging organizers to halt the protests due to the escalating violence and property damage witnessed in certain areas.
Further efforts to apprehend suspects, particularly those behind the distribution of Russian flags, were revealed by Police spokesperson Adejobi during a joint press briefing in Abuja.
Apart from expressing grievances about economic challenges, the protesters called for intervention from Russian President Vladimir Putin, as evidenced by their waving of Russian flags.
The demonstrators, chanting in local dialects, expressed dissatisfaction with the current governance and called for change.
Security measures were escalated in response to the protests, with curfews imposed in certain states as tensions flared.
Reports from the Department of State Services indicated arrests of individuals involved in making and distributing Russian flags in Kano, shedding light on the ongoing investigations.
The situation remains under close observation, with state officials and security forces taking proactive steps to maintain order and stability amidst the unfolding events.
Emergency Meeting Held at Government House Council
The Governor, in his address at the commencement of the meeting, emphasized the essential nature of the gathering following the significant destruction of infrastructure within the state.
A diverse array of attendees were present at the meeting, including representatives from various security agencies in the state, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, as well as youth groups.
Following unexpected protests where demonstrators brandished Russian national flags on the streets on Monday, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, conducted an impromptu security meeting with security agency heads to assess the situation.
After the meeting, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced the enforcement of a 24-hour curfew in Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities to uphold law and order.
The curfew’s primary objective is to tackle the escalating security issues and prevent further disruptions in the affected areas.
Reports indicated that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf engaged in numerous security meetings with security agency heads in response to the anti-hunger protests that escalated into violence.
An inside source at the Government House revealed on Monday that these meetings were part of a comprehensive effort to reassess the security landscape in the state following widespread looting and destruction of public assets by unruly individuals in Kano.
“Over the past three days, the Governor has been actively engaging in security meetings to reassess the state’s security status,” the source disclosed.
Similarly, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, convened an expansive emergency security meeting on Monday to evaluate the prevailing situation and establish a cohesive strategy to prevent future incidents.
The meeting, attended by security agency heads, commissioners, local government chairpersons, and traditional rulers, was focused on reviewing the security aftermath of the protests and implementing measures to forestall potential recurrences and guarantee residents’ safety throughout the state.
Speaking to the press post-meeting, the State’s Secretary to the Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, emphasized, “The administration acknowledges that the protest stemmed mainly from the current economic challenges. We are deeply concerned about our citizens’ welfare and are dedicated to promptly resolving these issues. We recognize that security is a collective responsibility and urge the public to support the government and security agencies in safeguarding lives and properties.
“As part of our renewed efforts to tackle these challenges, the government intends to introduce another phase of food aid packages to aid vulnerable households across the state. This 19th round of initiatives is designed to provide immediate relief and ensure that no individual goes hungry during these trying times.”
The State’s Police Commissioner, Hayatu Usman, reiterated the security agencies’ commitment to upholding law and order while assuring residents of their safety and encouraging them to maintain peace and composure.
“We are resolutely dedicated to securing lives and properties. We urge all residents to collaborate with the authorities and avoid any actions that could incite violence or disruption. We cannot permit any activities that may endanger our peace. As long as protests adhere to regulations, we have no opposition,” Usman emphasized.
Concurrently, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, convened a State Security Council Meeting on Monday to evaluate and reassess the current security status in the state.
This meeting was prompted by Mutfwang’s imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolises.
A statement issued by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, outlined that the curfew, effective from midnight on Sunday, was enforced in response to reports of looting in the Bauchi Road community and Zolo Junction by miscreants on Sunday.
Additionally, acts of vandalism were reported in various locations within Jos, the state capital, including the University of Jos, which witnessed gate destruction, and the Dilimi community, where shops were vandalized and looted.
Chaired by Governor Mutfwang, the security meeting had all security agency heads in attendance, as well as the Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo; the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau; the Chief of Staff, Jeremiah Satmark; the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba; and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi.
Governor Mutfwang articulated that the meeting’s objective was to evaluate the prevailing security scenario and safeguard lives and properties from the actions of miscreants.
The State’s Police Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Adesina, in a briefing post-meeting, urged residents to adhere strictly to the curfew declared earlier by the state government for Jos and Bukuru metropolises. He reported that 14 individuals had been apprehended for violating the curfew.
“The national protests remained peaceful in the state until some miscreants hijacked the movement on Sunday, indulging in looting public and private properties,” Adesina highlighted. “Our resolution from the meeting is to robustly enforce the curfew. Violators will face prosecution.”
In reference to incidents of flag-waving, police spokesman Adejobi condemned the act as a treacherous offense of showcasing a foreign flag within the country.
He remarked, “Therefore, it is imperative to set the record straight. Several individuals engaging in what can be deemed as treasonable felony have been arrested.
“To display foreign flags within a nation’s territory is a criminal act. We have apprehended offenders, including Ahmed Bello from Kano State, found distributing a vast quantity of Russian flags to young Nigerians for undisclosed purposes. We are conducting thorough investigations.
“Furthermore, similar occurrences were observed in Kaduna. As of this briefing, 30 individuals have been apprehended brandishing the same Russian flags. The underlying motives behind the protests, as indicated by our intelligence even before the August 1, 2024 kickoff, are emerging.”
He cautioned, “The #Endbadgovernance protest shouldn’t evolve to a level where foreign flags are flown within Nigeria. This trend seems to be spreading to different regions. Are we still witnessing protests? That is a pertinent question for all.”
In response to demands for the release of detained EndSARS protesters, Adejobi clarified that individuals in correctional facilities were facing criminal charges.
He added, “I would like to clarify this point. Some protesters detained are facing criminal charges and legal procedures.”The suggestion is for the Federal Government to release individuals currently imprisoned in connection with the EndSARS protests, totaling seven persons.
The Take It Back Movement has contradicted the police’s claim that there were no protests within their facilities in Nigeria.
The incarcerated individuals mentioned are inmates at correctional facilities, facing charges related to serious crimes such as armed robbery and murder. It was clarified that no EndSARS protester remains in custody within Nigerian facilities.
It was mentioned that one of the detainees had been involved in a break-in at the Oba of Lagos’ palace.
Addressing the situation, Adejobi raised questions about the alleged protesters, emphasizing that those engaged in criminal activities were distinct from the legitimate protest movement. The incident at the Oba’s palace does not align with the nature of the EndSARS demonstrations.
During his national address, the President urged protesters to guard against external influences seeking to destabilize the government, labeling them as anti-democratic elements.
He stressed the need for accurate information dissemination and reassured the citizens of a future filled with renewed hope.
Security forces in the FCT intensified their actions against protestors, dispersing gatherings and thwarting demonstrations in various parts of Abuja.
Despite the disruptions, the protesters faced challenges with security personnel blocking their access to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The arrest of Adaramoye Michael, also known as Michael Lenin, by the DSS drew attention. He is a prominent figure associated with the Youth Rights Campaign and a key participant in the protests.
Concerns were raised regarding his arrest, with allegations of assault during the detention by security operatives. Calls were made for his immediate release.
Although the DSS denied holding Michael Lenin in custody, counterparts from the activist group and legal representatives offered conflicting accounts, stating that he was indeed detained.
Michael Lenin’s arrest followed his vocal criticism of the President’s recent speech, highlighting what he considered a disconnect between the leadership and the realities on the ground.
Furthermore, plans were disclosed to lodge a formal complaint against the President with international bodies, such as the United Nations, over alleged human rights violations.
The Creative Change Centre also expressed intentions to present their grievances on global platforms.
In a separate development, the New Nigeria People’s Party distanced itself from individuals waving Russian flags during protests in Kano and Kaduna, attributing the action to non-Nigerian nationals.
Demanding a proactive approach to security challenges in the North, the NNPP called on the government to address broader issues that transcend national borders.
The Russian Embassy refuted any involvement in the protests, clarifying that the demonstrations using Russian flags did not reflect official Russian government policies.
Emphasizing respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, the embassy distanced itself from the sentiments expressed by the protesters.