The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning against protesters flying Russian flags in parts of Kano and Kaduna states, labelling the actions as treasonous.
News About Nigeria gathered that this announcement followed an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa.
Gen. Musa expressed grave concerns over the display of foreign flags, interpreting it as a call for military intervention in the ongoing nationwide protests.
“We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started all the security agencies you can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started they said it was a peaceful one but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem,” he stated.
The CDS stressed that the Nigerian military is committed to upholding democracy and would not tolerate any attempts to incite a regime change.
“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”
Addressing allegations of calls for a coup, Gen. Musa reaffirmed the military’s dedication to democratic principles.
The defence chief disclosed that those sponsoring the provocative actions had been identified and would be prosecuted.
He further warned that the military would intervene if the situation escalated.
“We’ve said that clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they want to be prosecuted.”
