The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, has warned that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not tolerate any individual flying any foreign flag in the country.
The CDS gave the warning after the Security Council meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
Christopher, who described the act as unacceptable, noted that it was a treasonable offence that threatens the nation’s sovereignty and will not be taken lightly.
“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, Nigeria sovereignty, 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 want to be prosecuted.
“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 shall allow himself to be used by any individual.
“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 who are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because, you know, the fliers were also made. We have identified those areas, and we are going to take serious action against that, “he said.
Speaking on the ongoing protest across the country, the CDS emphasized that the military would step in as the protest is already going out of hand, with criminals already using the opportunity to loot and steal property.
“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.
“The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity 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 tranquillity in Nigeria that we have assured Mr. President, “he said.
Asserting that Nigeria is a sovereign nation, the CDS assured that all security agencies are on the ground to defend the nation’s democracy and prevent any change of government.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation, Nigeria is a democratic 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 said.
Today Monday, 6th August, 20244, makes it five days since the #endbadgovernnce protest commenced across the country.
