The Russian Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement distancing the Russian government from the display of Russian flags during recent nationwide protests in Nigeria. The protests, which took place in Abuja, Kano, and other cities, saw participants waving Russian flags and chanting in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In its statement, the Russian Embassy clarified that the Russian government had no connection to these actions. The embassy 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.”
The embassy emphasized that these actions were the personal choices of the protesters and did not reflect any official stance or policy of the Russian government. “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,” the statement added.
In response to these developments, the Nigerian military labeled the act of displaying Russian flags during the protests as treasonous. 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.”
The Nigerian Police also announced the arrest of 31 individuals for their involvement in producing and distributing Russian flags and for calling for anarchy. They emphasized that such actions would not be tolerated and would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
