President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Monday gave a matching order to the heads of security agencies to go after sponsors of individuals flying Russian flags in some parts of the country.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents after a security meeting with the president, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the president also directed the security chiefs to go after coup mongers.
He said Nigerian military would not tolerate the flying of foreign flags during the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests because it’s treasonable felony and will be treated as such by the authorities.
“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 offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such.
“The armed forces and the entire security agencies will not stand by and see our country destroyed. For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those ones that are sponsoring them, those that are pushing them because you know, the flags were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that.
“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria. And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria, that we have assured Mr. President.
“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 will be prosecuted,” he said.
He said the military would not allow individuals to be used by others, stressing that anyone caught engaging in these acts would face severe consequences.
While highlighting the shift from initially peaceful protests to a widespread criminal activity, the CDS said the protets have deteriorated with looting and chaos taking over the centre stage.
“Initially, when the riot (protests) started, it was described as peaceful, but we have realized that individuals are willing to exploit it to cause mayhem,” he said.
He said security agencies were prepared to take action to restore peace and order in the country.
The CDS reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, stressing that the military would not tolerate attempts to undermine the nation’s sovereignty through coups or other unlawful actions.
He said Nigeria is a sovereign and democratic nation, with all security agencies dedicated to defending democracy and ensuring its continued success.
“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to thrive.
“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government. Democracy is what we stand for democracy is what will continue to defend,” he said.
“Democracy is what we stand for, and democracy is what we will continue to defend,” he said.
When asked if the military has identified any of the individuals responsible, Musa said:,”I’m sure you have seen them on TV so the TV will show because that is enough for you to see.
“Also on the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation, all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive. We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government.
“Democracy is what we stand for democracy is what will continue to defend.”
In response to recent allegations that soldiers participated in looting during the ongoing protests, the CDS theclaims were unfounded and based on misconceptions.
“We have investigated thoroughly, and there is nothing to support the idea that any member of the Armed Forces was involved in such activities,” he said.