Police speak tough against display of foreign flags, call for military takeover

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

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

Spokesman of the Police force, Muyiwa Ademola said ongoing investigations reveal that protest organisers in the states mentioned above are luring innocent children into participating in these unpatriotic and criminal acts.

According to him, over ninety suspects have been arrested, including tailors who sewed the flags and their sponsors. He said efforts are underway to apprehend others who sponsored the production of the flags and fuelled these treasonable acts.

“The display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitutes a clear treasonable offense, revealing the motives of protest organizers to destabilize 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,” the Police said in the statement.

Mr Adejobi said 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, characterized 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 police spokesperson said IGP Kayode 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.

Mr Adejobi said Police remain committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage, and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria.