President Bola Tinubu on Monday ordered security agencies to take action against those displaying the Russian flag within the country.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, announced this while briefing State House correspondents following a National Security Council meeting.
He explained that the service chiefs had updated the President on the current security situation, noting that the briefing was prompted by the ongoing nationwide protests, some of which have escalated into violence in certain states.
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He said: “Initially, when the protest started they said it was a peaceful protest but we have realised 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 has commenced. Criminals have taken over with a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening,”
He expressed concern over the situation, stating that it became alarming when foreign flags were flown within Nigeria’s sovereign territory, which he deemed completely unacceptable.
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“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 offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual,” said the general.
He noted that those flying foreign flags were primarily children who were being coerced into doing so.
“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 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 said.
He stated that all security agencies are fully prepared to defend the nation’s democracy and sovereignty.
“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,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff reiterated that he had previously stated the military would intervene if the protests escalated beyond control.
“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.
In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Tinubu appealed to the organizers of the nationwide protests to suspend their actions, noting that the demonstrations had turned violent in some states, resulting in loss of lives and property damage.
He also cautioned that he would not stand by and allow opposition politicians to use individuals to undermine the country’s democracy.
The meeting was attended by all the service chiefs, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other key officials.
