President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to crack down on hoodlums hijacking the ongoing nationwide ‘hunger’ protest and disrupting public peace, Chief of Defence General Christopher Musa has declared.
General Musal also warned that those flying some nation’s flags within Nigeria’s territory, as well as their sponsors, will be apprehended and charged with treason and felony.
He said those calling for a coup were on their own, saying the military had accepted democracy and regime change would never be allowed.
“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria. And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together in synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria that we have assured Mr. President.
“We’ve said that clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they want to be prosecuted,” the CDS announced this in an interview with State House Correspondents shortly after an emergency security session with the president Monday in Abuja.
The reaction followed the decision of some ‘protesters’ to fly the Russian flags in some parts of the country, especially in the north.
“We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on the ground and we know that since the riot has started, all the security agencies, you can see all of us together.
“Initially, when the riot started, they said it was a peaceful one 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, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.
“And besides, all of us have seen where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey 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 shall allow himself to be used by any individual,” he said.
…On call for coups
On the call for military intervention, Musa said: “Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation. All security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive. We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or 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.
“For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because you know, the flags were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against them.”
When asked if the military had identified any of the individuals responsible, Musa said: “I’m sure you have seen them on TV so the TV will show because that is enough for you to see.
Responding to recent allegations that soldiers participated in looting during the ongoing protests, the CDS said the claims were unfounded and based on misconceptions.
“We have investigated thoroughly, and there is nothing to support the idea that any member of the Armed Forces was involved in such activities,” he said.
…Russian flags in Zamfara, Katsina
Meanwhile, reports from Gusau, the Zamfara state capital, showed massive protest with a crowd of protesters hitting major streets Monday and carrying the flags of Russian, USA and France, during the protest.
With various anti-democratic songs, the protesters worked round some streets of the state capital.
To put unruly protesters under check, the joint security show of force was, however, mounted across nooks and crannies of the state capital.
They said the nationwide broadcast was not in tandem with the people’s yearning and aspirations.
Also, in Katsina, the Katsina state capital, some youth continued with the protest despite the ban imposed by the state government, moving around with Russian flags and chorusing various anti-democratic songs.
The protesters, who converged on the open fields at Yammawa, ATC, Filin Kanada and Filin Samji, had a prayer session after which they proceeded to the IBB Way in different groups.
According to a report, over 60 protesters across the state have been arrested since the commencement of the protest, while security agencies were deployed to strategic locations to ensure law and order in the state.
Kaduna imposes 24hrs curfew to curb looting
And giving the dimension the protest was taking, the Kaduna state security council Monday imposed a 24- hour curfew across the state.
The protest, which commenced peacefully Monday morning with few protesters, suddenly gathered momentum, as more youth from various communities in their hundreds joined the procession at the popular Ahmadu Bello Way, chanting “bama so” (we are not interested).
The protesters, who were waving Russian flags and requesting Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to their rescue, were eventually dispersed at NEPA Roundabout after they started looting public and private properties including Nagwamatse House.
Announcing the 24-hour curfew in a statement Monday afternoon, the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the protest had been hijacked by criminal elements.
The commissioner said: “The Kaduna state Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the state, hereby notifies citizens of the following: “There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public property.
“In view of this unfortunate development, the Kaduna state Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolises and environs with immediate effect.
“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security. Monitoring will be sustained for review of the curfew as required,” Aruwan said.
Zaria
In Zaria, Kaduna state, one person was reportedly killed by security operatives when protesters vandalised a Danmagaji Police Divisional headquarters in Zaria local government area of the state.
An eye witness told Blueprint that the victim died at a health facility two hours after he was shot.
Similarly, the protesters vandalised 2 Police outposts at Kofar Gayan Housing Estate, Jushi and Zaria local government’s secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC).
Also, in Sabon Gari local government area, the protesters, in their hundreds, vandalised the secretariat at Dogarawa.
Blueprint correspondent reports that fully armed security operatives in their vehicles and motorbikes took over the space, shooting in the air to disperse the protesters in Zaria City, Tudun Wada, Sabo Gari and Samaru areas in Zaria and Sabon Gari local government areas.
…DSS arrests tailors sewing Russian flags in Kano
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) Monday announced the arrest of some tailors sewing Russian flags for protesters in Kano state.
In a statement by its spokesman in Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, it said investigation into the matter had commenced, assuring that sponsors of the tailors would be fished out and brought to justice.
The statement also confirmed that the DSS did not arrest the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Michael, also known as Michael Lenin.
“The Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked,: it said, adding “the DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody.”
…Russia disowns protesters
And distancing itself from those protesters flying its flags, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria Monday said their actions were not a reflection of any official policy or viewpoint of the Russian government.
In a statement issued in Abuja, it said: “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.
“As always, we emphasize that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government in the issue.
“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence we strictly condemn them.”