The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning against the display of foreign flags during protests and any calls for a military coup, labeling such actions as treasonable felonies under Nigerian law.
This warning follows a series of violent protests in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States, where demonstrators were seen waving foreign flags.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, conveyed this in a statement on Tuesday via X, citing the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Egbetokun emphasized the severity of these actions, stating, “The use of foreign flags during protests and openly calling for a military takeover of the government is a capital offence under Nigerian law.”
Investigations have revealed that some protest organizers are behind these activities, having paid significant amounts to exploit the situation, mislead, and brainwash children into participating in anti-government campaigns.
Over 90 suspects have been arrested, including tailors involved in making the flags and their sponsors, with ongoing efforts to apprehend others funding these activities.
“The display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitute a clear treasonable offence, revealing the motives of protest organizers to destabilize Nigeria’s democratic government,” Adejobi said.
In response, Egbetokun has deployed Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Bala Ciroma and Bello Makwashi, to oversee operations in the affected Northwest and Northeast zones.
The police have also cautioned Nigerian youths to be wary of individuals and groups turning protests into business ventures, funded by local or foreign sponsors aiming to destabilize the country.
The police expressed gratitude to citizens who refrained from participating in these protests and those who withdrew when demonstrations turned violent.
