Russian Embassy Denies Involvement in Flag Display at Nigerian Protests

In a statement released on Monday, the embassy addressed the reports and circulating videos showing protesters in various Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Kano, and Jos, waving Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The embassy emphasized that neither the Russian government nor its officials were connected to these actions or coordinated them in any way.

“The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin,” the statement read. “The Government of the Russian Federation, as well as any Russian officials, are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them.”

The statement further clarified that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. The embassy underscored that the display of Russian flags by some protesters is a personal choice and does not reflect any official Russian stance or policy.

It also expressed respect for Nigerian democracy, supporting peaceful demonstrations in line with Nigerian law but condemning any disruptions or acts of violence that may arise from such protests.

In response to the flag displays, the Nigerian military has declared that individuals using Russian flags during the protests are committing treason and will face prosecution. Following a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa stated, “That is totally unacceptable… that is a treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such.”

Additionally, the Nigerian Police Force announced the arrest of 31 individuals for treason related to the production and distribution of Russian flags and calls for anarchy.