Nigerian security agencies have launched investigations into the involvement of four prominent northern politicians in the use of Russian flags during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. These politicians, hailing from Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano states, are accused of inciting demonstrators to use the flags to push for unconstitutional regime change.
An anonymous source told PUNCH, “Four principal actors have been identified in this issue. They are top politicians from Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna, and the security agencies are closing in on them. They played prominent roles in last year’s election.”
Another source revealed that external influences are suspected, with the politicians allegedly collaborating with foreign entities to foment unrest. This has raised concerns of a repeat of the destabilizing events seen in other West African nations.
The protests against economic hardship and hunger turned notably contentious on Monday when demonstrators in some northern states, including Kaduna, waved Russian flags and chanted “Tinubu must go.” The situation escalated as military personnel patrolled the streets, and protesters expressed support for a military takeover.
The Nigerian military labeled the display of Russian flags as a treasonous act. General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, warned, “That is totally unacceptable…that is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such.”
The Department of State Services (DSS) reported arrests of individuals involved in making and distributing Russian flags in Kano State. Additionally, some foreign nationals suspected of sponsoring the protests were also detained.
In response, state security forces intensified their crackdown on protestors, significantly reducing the number of Russian flag displays by Tuesday. The police in Kano arrested several foreign suspects allegedly behind the unrest, while the Gombe State Police Command detained ten individuals for waving Russian flags during the protests.
Commissioner of Police Salman Garba stated after a meeting with Governor Abba Yusuf that security agencies would enforce state regulations strictly. The police also began trials for those arrested during the protests, with over 800 suspects currently in custody.
The DSS Chief, Yusuf Bichi, revealed that the agency had identified some masterminds behind the prevalent use of Russian flags but refrained from disclosing their identities to avoid compromising ongoing investigations. He noted that unconventional financing methods, including virtual currencies, were being used to support the protests.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has also placed sponsors of the protests residing outside the country on its watch list, with plans to hand them over to the appropriate authorities upon their arrival in Nigeria.
