THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning against the display of foreign flags during protests and calls for a military takeover, describing such actions as treasonable felonies under Nigerian law.
This follows the wave of violent protests, particularly in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina states, where protesters brandished foreign flags, with some calling for the intervention of a foreign power.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi (ACP), on Tuesday, August 6: “Ongoing investigations reveal that protest organisers in the states mentioned above are luring innocent children into participating in these unpatriotic and criminal acts.
“Over 90 suspects have been arrested, including tailors who sew the flags and their sponsors. 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 organisers to destabilise 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.”
According to him: “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, characterised 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 Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of Police for the Northwest and Northeast zones, Mr. Bala Ciroma, and Mr. 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.
“They are tasked with stabilising the situation and preventing further violence in the affected states.
“The NPF reiterates that the use of foreign flags during protests and openly calling for a military takeover of the government is a capital offense under Nigerian law.
“The NPF cautions Nigerian youths to be wary of individuals and groups turning protests into business ventures, funded by local or foreign sponsors aiming to destabilise the country.
“Evidence shows that these sponsors have paid significant sums to exploit the hardship protests, brainwashing and misleading innocent children into aiding this campaign against the government.
“The NPF salutes Nigerians who have refused to participate in and indeed spoke out against the ill-timed protest out of sheer patriotism and belief in the government’s genuine efforts to put the country on the path of economic recovery and growth.
“We also acknowledge the patriotism of those who peacefully participated in the protests, but withdrew when they turned violent, and those who heeded the President’s call to embrace dialogue by withdrawing from the protests.
“The NPF remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria.”
