Kano, Nigeria — Nearly 40 individuals have been arrested in northern Nigeria for waving Russia’s national flag during ongoing protests against the high cost of living and what many view as ineffective governance.
The demonstrations, which have now spanned six days, have seen at least seven deaths and over 700 arrests nationwide.
The protests began as a response to Nigeria’s deteriorating economic conditions and a significant rise in living costs. Many demonstrators have chanted slogans like “we are hungry,” reflecting widespread discontent with the government’s handling of economic issues.
However, a small faction of protesters has been seen waving Russian flags and expressing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, even calling on Moscow for intervention.
Army Chief Christopher Musa has condemned these actions, declaring that flying foreign flags is a “treasonable offence.” He stated, “We are warning in clear terms that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such.”
The Nigerian government’s response to the protests has been severe. In Kaduna, 39 people were arrested, including a tailor accused of sewing Russian flags for the demonstrators. Nearly 40 Russian flags and a Chinese flag were seized.
A curfew has been imposed in Kaduna, one of six states to take such measures since the protests began, limiting millions of residents’ movements.
In Kano state, authorities have also arrested tailors involved in producing Russian flags and detained some of their sponsors.
The crackdown has been part of a broader effort to quash any signs of support for Russia, reflecting Nigeria’s geopolitical balancing act as a major oil producer and a key Western ally.
The protests have been marked by rising tensions and clashes with security forces. Amnesty International has reported 13 deaths and accused the Nigerian military and police of using excessive force against the demonstrators. The rights group has called for an investigation into the reported abuses.
President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has seen a sharp decline in public support due to his economic policies. His decision to remove a long-standing state subsidy on fuel has led to skyrocketing pump prices, which in turn has driven up the cost of food and other essentials.
Tinubu has urged Nigerians to be patient, asserting that his policies will eventually benefit the country. He has also called for an end to the protests and held a meeting with security officials to assess the situation.
The Russian embassy in Nigeria has distanced itself from the protests, stating that the flags carried by protesters are the “personal choices” of individuals. The embassy emphasized that Russia does not interfere in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
As the unrest continues, the Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to address the root causes of the discontent while navigating the complex dynamics of domestic and international relations. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing demonstrations and a heavy security presence across affected regions.
