Police Issue Warning to Flag-Waving Protesters

Police warn demonstrators against waving foreign flags and calling for a military takeover, stressing the need for compliance.

The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned that showcasing foreign flags and advocating for a military coup of the democratically elected government during the current nationwide demonstrations are considered to be criminal acts punishable by treason.

The police have expressed their disapproval of the recent surge in violent protests, especially those featuring foreign flags held by protesters. This statement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by Assistant Commissioner of Police and Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, citing incidents occurring mainly across Bauchi, Kano Kaduna and Katsina states.

Based on the report, protests occurring in those specified states have been found to involve innocent children who are being enticed into engaging in unpatriotic and illegal activities by their organizers. It has been disclosed that more than 90 suspects including flag-sewing tailors as well as sponsors have already been apprehended through continuous investigations.

Efforts are currently being made to capture additional sponsors who supported the production of these flags and encouraged such seditious acts, according to the statement.

According to the statement, exhibiting foreign flags and advocating for a military coup is an outright act of treason that exposes protest leaders’ intention to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic administration.

The report acknowledged that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a speech on August 4, 2024, tensions from the ongoing demonstrations have declined. However, it highlighted how certain factions continue to engage in subversive activities through aggressive and illegal protests which involve damaging public infrastructure as well as private property; looting; raising foreign flags and advocating for military intervention.

As per the declaration, those individuals and groups who are considered subversive agents will be treated as such and punished accordingly.

According to the announcement, Deputy Inspectors General of Police for the Northwest and Northeast zones – Bala Ciroma and Bello Makwashi respectively – have been instructed by Inspector General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to assume responsibility for operations in states within their respective geopolitical regions where protests are occurring under false pretenses as subversive campaigns.

The Nigeria Police Force emphasized that their duty is to stabilize the situation and prevent additional violence in impacted states. They also highlighted that utilizing foreign flags during protests and advocating for a military overthrow of the government are considered capital crimes as per Nigerian law.

The Nigeria Police Force expressed their appreciation for the patriotic Nigerians who chose not to partake in and condemned the poorly-timed protest, believing in their government’s sincere attempt at leading economic growth and recovery. They recognized those individuals who peacefully participated but withdrew when violence erupted, as well as those who obeyed the President’s plea to engage in dialogue by abandoning the demonstrations with gratitude towards them all.

The assurance was that the police force would continue to be dedicated towards upholding peace, safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural legacy and collaborating with the community to guarantee safety and security.