THE Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Mustapha, has issued a warning to those displaying the Russian flag, stating that it constitutes a treasonable offense.
During the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests that have reached Day 5 in the northern region, some demonstrators were seen waving the Russian flag, prompting a strong reaction from various officials, including the CDS, who condemned this act.
“We have all witnessed the display of foreign flags within Nigeria’s sovereignty, and that is completely unacceptable. We want to make it clear, as the President has instructed, that flying any foreign flag in Nigeria will not be tolerated,” General Mustapha stated in Abuja following a meeting with other service chiefs and security heads alongside President Bola Tinubu.
“This is a treasonable offense and will be treated as such. No one should allow themselves to be manipulated by others.”
‘Call for Serious Measures’
General Mustapha noted that many of those waving the flags are youths being influenced or sponsored, emphasizing that this action crosses a critical line.
Security agencies have already apprehended several suspects involved in the mass production of these flags, with the Department of State Services (DSS) also detaining their sponsors in Kano.
“For those involved in displaying the flags—many of whom are children being manipulated—we are tracing those who are backing them,” General Musa added. “We know where these flags are being produced, and we will take decisive action against those responsible.”
The CDS reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to uphold the nation’s democracy.
“Concerning the threat of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign democratic country, and all security agencies are dedicated to defending our democracy and ensuring its continuity,” he declared. “We will not tolerate any actions aimed at instigating a change in government, regardless of the motives behind them.”
The #EndBadGovernance protests began on August 1, as citizens took to the streets to demand government action regarding the country’s deteriorating economy, which has led to significant devaluation of the naira and soaring living costs.
After three days of protests, President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation, urging protesters to vacate the streets since their concerns had been acknowledged.
He affirmed that the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has tripled fuel prices, is irreversible and encouraged dialogue with the government, highlighting his administration’s efforts to tackle the inflation rate now at 34 percent.
While the protests began peacefully, they have escalated in certain areas, particularly in the north, where incidents of looting and vandalism have been reported as large crowds have gathered.
In response, some state governments have enacted a range of measures, including curfews that are now being eased.
Nevertheless, some protesters continue to rally while displaying the Russian flag and engaging in destructive acts.
