The Nigerian military has declared that individuals flying Russian flags during protests are committing treason and will be prosecuted.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, made this announcement after a National Security Council meeting on Monday.
Musa stated, “That is totally unacceptable… that is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such.” The military is investigating those behind this action and will take serious action against them.
Protesters in Kano and Kaduna were spotted waving Russian flags, chanting anti-government slogans. This has raised concerns about foreign influence, given Russia’s involvement in unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries.
The Defence Chief warned, “For those of them flying flags… they are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them… We have identified those areas, and we are going to take serious action against them.”
Musa emphasized, “The President is clear in his instructions for us not to accept anyone who wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria… We will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria… So nobody should allow themselves to be used by any individual.”
