The Nigerian military has condemned the recent hunger protests, stating that they have been hijacked by criminals and pose a significant threat to national security.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Chris Musa issued a stark warning on Monday, declaring that waving foreign flags within Nigerian territory is considered a “treasonable offence”.
This statement followed a high-level meeting between security chiefs and President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa in Abuja, where they addressed the escalating unrest in the country.
General Musa expressed serious concern over the shift from peaceful protests to widespread looting and theft, emphasizing that the display of foreign flags is “totally unacceptable” and undermines national sovereignty.
He said, “We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on the ground. 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 waving any foreign flag in Nigeria.
“That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”
“The CDS also addressed rumours of potential coups, firmly asserting that all security agencies are committed to defending Nigeria’s democracy.
“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive.
“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason, to want to push for any change of government,” he added.
Musa revealed that the authorities had identified individuals responsible for manufacturing and distributing foreign flags, many of whom are reportedly using children to carry out these activities.
He promised “serious action” against those orchestrating these efforts.
“For those of them carrying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them.
“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 tranquility of Nigeria.”
Responding to allegations of military involvement in looting, Musa dismissed the claims as misconceptions, stating that a thorough investigation had cleared armed forces personnel of any such wrongdoing.
He gave assurance that the military would have to step in to maintain internal peace if the protest got out of hand.
“We’ve said clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand, and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that.
“And those who have done that will go in for it and they will be prosecuted,” he stated.
