The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning against the display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover during protests in the country.
This comes in response to a surge of violent demonstrations, particularly in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States, where protesters have been seen brandishing foreign flags.
According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relation Officer, ACO Olumuyiwa Adejobi, ongoing investigations reveal that the protest organizers in these states have been exploiting innocent children, luring them 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 may have sponsored the production of the flags and fuelled these treasonable acts.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has made it clear that the display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitute a clear treasonable offense under Nigerian law. This, he says, reveals the true motives of the protest organizers, who aim to destabilize the country’s democratic government.
The police action aligns with actionable intelligence on the tactics of fifth columnists and non-state actors exploiting economic hardship protests to further their nefarious goals. The situation has been further exacerbated by the involvement of local and foreign sponsors, who have reportedly paid significant sums to exploit the hardship protests and mislead innocent youths.
In response, the police have deployed senior officers to take charge of operations in the affected states. Deputy Inspectors General of Police for the Northwest and Northeast zones, DIGs Bala Ciroma and Bello Makwashi, have been tasked with stabilizing the situation and preventing further violence.
The Nigeria Police Force has commended the patriotism of Nigerians who have refused to participate in or spoken out against the ill-timed protests. They have also acknowledged the courage of those who peacefully participated but withdrew when the protests turned violent, as well as those who heeded the President’s call to embrace dialogue.
The police remain committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage, and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria. They have vowed to treat the individuals and groups behind the subversive campaigns as enemies of the state, charging them accordingly.
