The Nigeria Police Force has warned against the display of foreign flags and a call for a military takeover of the democratically elected government during the ongoing nationwide protests, describing such actions as treasonable felonies.
A statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, explained that the police frowned at the wave of violent protests, particularly in Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states, where protesters brandished foreign flags.
According to the statement, ongoing investigations reveal that protest organisers in the states mentioned above are luring innocent children into participating in this unpatriotic and criminal act, saying that over 90 suspects have been arrested, including tailors who sewed the flags and their sponsors.
The statement added that efforts are underway to apprehend others who sponsored the production of the flags and fuelled these treasonable acts.
The statement said: “The display of foreign flags and calls for a military takeover constitutes a clear treasonable offence, revealing the motives of protest organizers to destabilize Nigeria’s democratic government.”
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It noted that tensions from the ongoing protests have eased following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address on August 4, 2024, stressing that 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, the display of foreign flags, and calls for a military takeover.
According to the statement, the individuals and groups would be treated as subversive agents and charged accordingly.
The statement further disclosed that Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has directed Deputy Inspectors General of Police for the Northwest and Northeast zones, DIGs Bala Ciroma and Bello Makwashi, to take charge of operations in the states within the two geopolitical zones where subversive campaigns are ongoing under the guise of protests.
It added that they are tasked with stabilising the situation and preventing further violence in the affected states, assuring that the Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the use of foreign flags during protests and openly calling for a military takeover of the government is a capital offence under Nigerian law.
The Nigeria Police Force also saluted 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 and acknowledged 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.
It assured that the police force remained committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage, and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria.
