Protest: Police talk tough, warn against foreign flags display, calls for coup

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning against the display of foreign flags during protests and calls for a military takeover, categorising such actions as treasonable felonies under Nigerian law.

This follows a wave of violent protests, particularly in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and other northern states, where protesters brandished foreign flags.

The high command also revealed it has arrested no fewer than 90 protesters who engaged in the destruction of public properties.

Spokesman of the police, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, hinted that ongoing investigations revealed that protest organisers in the states mentioned above are luring innocent children into participating in these unpatriotic and criminal acts.

“Over ninety suspects have been arrested, including tailors who sewed the flags and their sponsors. Efforts are underway to apprehend others who sponsored the production of the flags and fueled these treasonable acts.

“The display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitute a clear treasonable offense, revealing the motives of protest organisers to destabilise Nigeria’s democratic government. This aligns with actionable intelligence on the tactics of fifth columnists and non-state actors exploiting economic hardship protests to further their nefarious goals.

“Tensions from the ongoing protests have eased following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address on August 4, 2024. However, some groups persist in subversive campaigns in the form of violent and unlawful protests, characterised by the destruction of public infrastructure and private property, looting, display of foreign flags, and calls for a military takeover. These individuals and groups will be treated as subversive agents and charged accordingly.

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Deputy Inspectors General of Police for the Northwest and Northeast zones, DIGs Bala Ciroma and Bello Makwashi, to take charge of operations in the states within the two geo-political zones where subversive campaigns are ongoing under the guise of protests. They are tasked with stabilising the situation and preventing further violence in the affected states.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the use of foreign flags during protests and openly calling for a military takeover of the government is a capital offence under Nigerian law. The Police caution Nigerian youths to be wary of individuals and groups turning protests into business ventures, funded by local or foreign sponsors aiming to destabilise the country. Evidence shows that these sponsors have paid significant sums to exploit the hardship protests, brainwashing and misleading innocent children into aiding this campaign against the government.

“The Nigeria Police Force salutes Nigerians who have refused to participate in and indeed spoke out against the ill-timed protest out of sheer patriotism and belief in the government’s genuine efforts to put the country on the path of economic recovery and growth. We also acknowledge the patriotism of those who peacefully participated in the protests but withdrew when they turned violent, and those who heeded the President’s call to embrace dialogue by withdrawing from the protests.

“The NPF remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage, and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria.”