The National Security Council has warned against the use of foreign flags in a sovereign nation such as Nigeria by #EndBadGovernance protesters describing the act as treasonable.
The warning is in reaction to a trending video of some protesters flying Russian flags in Kano and openly inviting the military to take over the government.
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa gave the warning after a security council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the military will go after protesters bearing foreign flags which he said impinges on the sovereignty of the country.
General Musa also noted that the #EndBadGovernance which started as a peaceful protest, has turned into riot, saying that as previously hinted, the military has decided to move in as a result.
“We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started, all the security agencies you can see all of us together.
“Initially, when the riot started, they said it was a peaceful riot, 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, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts happening.
“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable.
“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.
“So, nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.
“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.
“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 are sponsoring them. Those 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 them.
“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity 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 tranquillity in Nigeria that we have assured Mr President.”
The Council meeting was attended by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the CDS) and the three service chiefs; as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Also in the meeting were the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col Adewale Adeniyi; as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap.
