The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning against calls for a coup following widespread protests across the nation. This warning comes after demonstrators in the northwest regions of Kano and Kaduna were seen waving Russian flags and calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intervention during protests on Monday.
According to Nigeria’s defense officials, the act of hoisting foreign flags, especially those symbolizing potential foreign intervention, is considered treasonous. “We will not relent in pursuing those that have continued to encourage unconstitutional takeover of government or subversion or those ones that are into vandalism or destruction of lives and property,” declared Nigerian Defense Chief General Christopher Musa.
The VOA reports that recent unrest saw thousands of Nigerians taking to the streets in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and other locations, protesting against President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and governance. The demonstrations were met with a heavy response from security forces, who used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds. Amnesty International has reported that at least 13 protesters lost their lives nationwide during these confrontations.
On Monday, demonstrators in northern Kaduna and Kano states were notably vocal, displaying Russian flags and urging Putin to support their cause. The Nigerian national police confirmed that nearly 900 protesters were detained, including 30 individuals specifically charged with carrying Russian flags.
According to the VOA, security analyst Kabiru Adamu expressed skepticism regarding the government’s interpretation of the protesters’ actions. “There [are] instances where Nigerians do wave the flags of other countries,” Adamu noted. “So, one is a bit surprised by this interpretation. We’re in a democratic setting, and the role of security and defense organizations does not go beyond law enforcement or the implementation of security policies. They do not have in any way the role of interpreting or making judicial pronouncements.”
In response to these events, the Russian Embassy in Abuja distanced itself from the protests, reiterating Moscow’s support for Nigeria’s democratic processes. Despite this stance, Russia’s expanding influence in Africa, marked by the formation of security alliances, continues to be a point of concern in the region.
Adamu, managing director of Beacon Security and Intelligence, commented on the geopolitical implications, stating that the protests are indicative of growing discontent with Western influence in Africa.
