The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement with a group of protesters in northern Nigeria who were seen carrying Russian flags.
Protesters in some parts of the country were seen marching on the streets, carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages.
Russia, a global power with significant geopolitical influence, has been accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
This has sparked concerns about external interference in regional affairs.
The Embassy, in a statement, emphasised that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria, and that the protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
The statement said, “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 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.
“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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha, says those flying Russian flag in Nigeria have committed a treasonable offence.
Speaking after an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, the CDS vowed that the law would catch up with such people.
Warning those calling for coup, Gen. Musa said the military had accepted democracy and regime change would never be allowed.
“We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on ground and we know that since the riot has started, all the security agencies, you can see all of us together. Initially, when the riot started, they said it was a peaceful one 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 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 flying any foreign flag in Nigeria, that is treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual.
“Also the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic nation, all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to thrive. We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or 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.
“For those of them flying flags, and if you’ll see, a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that, we’re following up with those ones that are sponsoring them. Those that are pushing them, because you know, the flags were also made, we have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that.
“”The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria. And we are all standing here together to show Nigerians that we’re working closely, we are working together with synergy to ensure that there’s still peace and tranquility in Nigeria. That we have assured Mr. President.
“We’ve said that 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, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those ones who have done that will go in for the books and they have to be prosecuted.”