Six West Europeans arrested amidst raising of Russian flags in Nigerian protests

By Ologeh Joseph Chibu

Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba has announced yesterday that six nationals of Spain were arrested in connection with a recent protest in the state.

The arrests were part of a broader crackdown that also saw 76 others detained, including a tailor involved in producing Russian flags.

CP Garba noted that law enforcement is actively pursuing the mastermind behind the operation.

Some security experts suggest that the West may have sponsored the raising of the Russian flags to cause disaffected between Nigeria and Russia and to further soil the name of the East European country.

The Russian Embassy in Lagos had dismissed unfounded insinuations that it had a hand in the incidence that has sparked controversy.

“We have arrested six Spanish nationals and 76 others, including the tailor. We recovered 23 Russian flags, and we are trailing the sponsor,” Commissioner of Police, Garba stated.

The detainees have been transferred to Force Headquarters due to the involvement of sedition and national security concerns.

The Secretary, Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM) Mr Popoola Ajayi told Irohinoodua that the West was desperate to blackmail Russia.

The AYDM is the umbrella body of 130 Yoruba self determination, community based and human rights organisations in the country’s South West.

Ajayi said Russia has never intervened in the internal affairs of Nigeria unlike the West that “poke their noses to ensure Nigeria remains in perpetual turmoil.”

He praised Russia for her “clean conscience in the contributions to the Liberation movements across the world” and for leading a “new renaissance for freedom.”

Amid the swirling rumors, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria issued a formal statement to address the situation on the website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria. The declaration was clear and unequivocal: “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.”

The statement continued, emphasizing the non-involvement of the Russian Government in these demonstrations: “The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.”

Russian Embassy reiterated Russia’s stance on the matter. “As always, we emphasize that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government in the issue.”

The embassy reflecting Russia’s respect for Nigerian sovereignty and democracy. “We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence we strictly condemn them.”

Immigration Tightens Surveillance on Protest Sponsors

In a related development, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, disclosed that sponsors of the protest based in the diaspora have been placed on a watchlist.

He said while withholding the names of the individuals, Nandap emphasized that these sponsors would be arrested upon attempting to enter Nigeria.

“We have diaspora sponsors, they are on our watchlist.” she emphasized, “any attempt they make to come into the country, we’ll be notified and they will be picked up and handed over to the appropriate authorities.” she affirmed.

Nandap further mentioned that the agency has ramped up its presence at borders; both land and air, to prevent any unauthorized entry and have increased surveillance to thwart foreign interference in domestic affairs.

DSS and Military Reiterate Commitment to National Security

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, through the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, confirmed that some protest sponsors have been identified, with several bank accounts already frozen. Bichi indicated that further details would be disclosed in due course, with ongoing monitoring of individuals operating from abroad.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, expressed the security forces’ unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty. He assured that the ongoing media briefings reflect the security agencies’ dedication to their duties and their respect for the nation.

“The only people we are after are the enemy of the state who should be ready to face the law. We will not relent in pursuing those who continue to encourage subversion. We will remain professional and our men on the fields will remain professional as well,’’ General Musa asserted.

Echoing this sentiment, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, highlighted that troops had been deployed well before the protest due to existing security concerns. He reiterated the Army’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and urged the youth to shun violence, warning that the military would not allow the country to descend into chaos.

“We will continue to partner with other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability.’’ General Lagbaja concluded.