Protesters in some states have been waving the Russian flag as the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations enter their fifth day. On August 5, 2024, in Zamfara, protesters were seen holding the Russian flag.
General Christopher Mustapha, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has issued a stern warning to those flying the Russian flag, labeling it a treasonable offense. He made these remarks following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, other service chiefs, and heads of security agencies in Abuja.
General Mustapha emphasized that flying foreign flags within Nigeria’s borders is unacceptable and will be treated as a serious crime. He reiterated the President’s stance that no individual or group should use foreign symbols during the protests, warning that such actions would have severe consequences.
The CDS stated, “Seeing foreign flags flown in Nigeria is completely unacceptable. We want to make it clear that the President has instructed us to convey this message: anyone caught flying any foreign flag in Nigeria will face serious consequences. This is considered a treasonable offense, and we will deal with it accordingly. No one should allow themselves to be used by any external forces.”
The warning comes amid ongoing protests in the northern region, where demonstrators have been calling for better governance and reform. The presence of the Russian flag has drawn significant attention and criticism, prompting the CDS to address the issue directly and reinforce the importance of national sovereignty.
