The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of individuals involved in the creation and distribution of Russian flags among protesters in certain northern states.
News About Nigeria reports that recent protests in Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna have featured demonstrators waving Russian flags, with some calling for military intervention in the country’s administration.
In response to these developments, the DSS announced on Monday that it had apprehended several tailors in Kano State responsible for manufacturing the Russian flags.
It added that some of the sponsors behind this activity have also been taken into custody.
The DSS stated that investigations are ongoing, but did not provide further details on the arrested individuals or their backers.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has identified Ahmed Taylor, a resident of Kano State’s Nasarawa local government area, as one of those arrested for producing Russian flags.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Olumuwiya Adejobi, Taylor was taken into custody on Monday for creating a large quantity of Russian flags intended for distribution among young Nigerians.
Adejobi said that carrying foreign flags on Nigerian soil constitutes a criminal offence and assured that efforts are being made to identify and apprehend additional sponsors involved in this activity.
He noted that the motivations behind the creation and distribution of Russian flags remain unclear but stressed that the police are working to uncover the underlying reasons.
During a press briefing organised by the National Security Adviser’s office, Adejobi revealed that 30 individuals had been arrested in connection with the Russian flag incidents, with more arrests expected as investigations continue.
He added that the police are determined to get to the bottom of this matter and hold all those involved accountable for their actions.
