President Bola Tinubu on Monday, August 5, 2024, ordered the security chiefs to crack down on those flying Russian flags in the country.
The president gave the order during the National Security Council meeting at the Presidential Villa.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the meeting.
He said the service chiefs had briefed the President on the current security situation in the country.
Adding that the briefing was necessitated by the ongoing nationwide protests, which resulted in violence in some states, Mr Musa said some individuals are willing to take advantage of the peaceful protest to cause mayhem.
He said, “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 said that the situation became worrisome as foreign flags were flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that was 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 a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual,” said the general.
He said those flying foreign flags were mainly children who had been pushed to do so.
“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,” Mr Musa said.
He said all security agencies were ready to defend democracy and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“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,” he said.
