Police warns against use of foreign flags during protests

By Mercy Ojo-Ehinmodu

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has issued a warning against the display of foreign flags during protests and calls for a military takeover, as a treasonable offence under the Nigerian law.

Egbetokun made this known through a Press Release signed by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Tuesday.

He directed Deputy Inspectors General of Police for Northwest and Northeast zones, DIGs Bala Ciroma, and Bello Makwashi, to take charge of operations in the states within the two geo-political zones where subversive campaigns are ongoing under the guise of protests.

The IGP tasked with stabilizing the situation and preventing further violence in the affected states.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated that the use of foreign flags during protests and openly calling for a military takeover of the government is a capital offense under Nigerian law.

The Police cautioned Nigerian youths to be wary of individuals and groups turning protests into business ventures, funded by local or foreign sponsors aiming to destabilize the country.

“Evidence shows that these sponsors have paid significant sums to exploit the hardship protests, brainwashing and misleading innocent children into aiding this campaign against the government.
Egbetokun said the NPF remains committed to maintaining peace, protecting the nation’s heritage, and working with the public to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria as over ninety suspects have been arrested, including tailors who sewed the flags and their sponsors.

Also, efforts are underway to apprehend others who sponsored the production of the flags and fuelled these treasonable acts.

He however, saluted Nigerians who refused to participate in the protest, acknowledged the patriotism of those who peacefully participated but withdrew when turned violent, and those who heeded President’s call to embrace dialogue by withdrawing from the protests.