President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to crack down on protesters flying Russian flag in the country.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting in Abuja on Monday, August 5, 2024.

The CDS said the service chiefs briefed Tinubu on the current security situation in the country, adding that the briefing was necessitated by the ongoing nationwide protest, which resulted in violence in some states.

Musa said: “Initially, when the protest started they said it was a peaceful protest but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.

“And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over with a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.”

He noted that the situation became worrisome as Russian flags were flown in Nigeria, saying that was unacceptable.

The CDS said: “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.

Tinubu: I won’t allow people with political agenda tear Nigeria apart

“That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual.”

Musa said those flying Russian flags were mainly children who were being pushed to do so.

Musa stated: “We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Some people are pushing them because the flags were also made. We have identified those behind it and we are going to take serious action against them.

“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria.”

The CDS stressed that all security agencies were ready to defend democracy and the sovereignty of Nigeria, saying: “We will not accept anyone taking any action, for whatever reason to want to push for any change of government.

“Democracy is what we stand for; democracy is what we will continue to defend.”

President Tinubu had in a national broadcast on Sunday pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.

Tinubu also warned that he would not allow some people with a political agenda to truncate democracy in the country.

The Star