PUNCH
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested no fewer than 30 #Endbadgovernance protesters for waving Russian flags in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Bauchi states.
The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said 873 other protesters have been arrested by the police, including a tailor, identified as Ahmed Bello, who was arrested with a large number of flags in Kano.
This comes as President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to crack down on those flying Russian flags in the country.
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, said this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting.
All the service chiefs, including Vice President Kashim Shetima, Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; and Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police; attended the meeting.
He said the service chiefs briefed the President on the current security situation in the country.
He added that the briefing was necessitated by the ongoing nationwide protests, which resulted into violence in some states.
“Initially, when the protest started, they said it was a peaceful protest, but we have realised that there are individuals willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.
“And we can see clearly what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over, with a lot of looting, stealing, and all sorts happening,” he said.
He said the situation became worrisome as foreign flags were flown within Nigeria’s sovereignty, and that was totally unacceptable.
“We are warning in clear terms, and the President has also said we should convey this: 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 said those flying foreign flags were mainly children who were being pushed to do 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 behind it, and we are going to take serious action against them.
