The Nigerian Police Force has issued a stern warning against the display of foreign flags during protests and called for a military takeover, describing such acts as treasonous crimes under Nigerian law.
The announcement comes after a spate of violent protests in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states, where protesters were seen waving foreign flags.
A press statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday, said
Ongoing investigations have revealed that the organizers of the protests in these states are inciting innocent children to participate in these criminal and unpatriotic acts. Over ninety suspects have been arrested, including the tailors who sewed the flags and their sponsors. Efforts are underway to arrest others who financed the production of the flags and fueled these treasonous acts.
The display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitute a clear crime of treason, revealing the motivations of the protest organizers to destabilize the democratic government of Nigeria. This is consistent with actionable intelligence on the tactics of fifth columnists and non-state actors who are exploiting the protests against economic hardship to advance their nefarious goals.
Tensions arising from the ongoing protests have eased following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speech on 4 August 2024. However, some groups persist in subversive campaigns through violent and illegal protests, characterized by the destruction of public infrastructure and private property, looting, and the display of foreign flags. Such individuals and groups will be treated as subversive agents and charged accordingly.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has tasked the Deputy Inspectors General of Police for the North-West and North-East Regions, DIG Bala Ciroma, P.S.C. and Bello Makwashi, to take charge of operations in states in the two geopolitical zones where subversive campaigns are being waged 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 government is a capital offence under Nigerian law. The Police warns Nigerian youths to be wary of individuals and groups who are turning protests into commercial ventures, funded by local or foreign sponsors, with the aim of destabilising the country. Evidence shows that these sponsors paid large sums to exploit difficult protests, brainwash and incite innocent children to participate in this anti-government campaign.
The Nigerian Police salutes the Nigerians who were black to participate and who, as a result, spoke out against the inappropriate protest out of pure patriotism and belief in the genuine efforts of the government to put the country on the road to economic recovery and growth. We also recognize the patriotism of those who participated peacefully in the protests but withdrew when they turned violent, and those who responded to the President’s call for dialogue by withdrawing from the protests.
The NPF remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting national heritage, and working with the public to ensure the security and stability of Nigeria.
