Security Agencies in Nigeria say they will continue to defend democracy in Nigeria and ensure it thrives.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa stated this on Monday while briefing State House Correspondents after the National Security Council meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, the nation’s capital
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He also warned that the security agencies would consider as treasonous offence sponsors of Russian flag in Nigeria, revealing that President Tinubu has directed security agencies to go after those responsible for sponsoring protesters carrying the Russian flags in the country.
General Musa strongly warned that flying foreign flags on Nigerian soil is unacceptable, adding that anyone caught in the act would face severe consequences.
“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 offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”
The Chief of Defence Staff confirmed that security agencies have identified the locations where the flags were flown and will take serious action against those involved.
He warned Nigerians, especially minors being exploited for the act, that the security agencies would pursue their sponsors as well.
“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 are sponsoring them. Those are pushing them because you know, the flies were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that.”
Speaking on the identification of the Russian flag bearers in Nigeria, General Musa mentioned that the protesters had disclosed their identities in the Nigerian media
“I’m sure you have seen them on TV so the TV will show because that is enough for you to see.”
He reiterated that the Nigerian military would step in if the protests get out of control, emphasizing that the military would not tolerate any actions that threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“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.” General Musa added.
Responding to Coup mongers, General Musa asserted that Nigerian security agencies will continue to collaborate in the defense of the country’s democracy.
He said the agencies reassured the President that there is strong collaboration among the security agencies to ensure that peace and tranquility in Nigeria remain undisturbed.
“Democracy is what we stand for democracy is what will continue to defend.
“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.
“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 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.”
Clarifying the military roles during the last week protest across states, the Chief of Defence staff described the public believe as misconception ,he added that the military after investigation discovered that the soldiers recovered the looted items from some “protesters”in the area.
“No. I think it has been cleared, I think it was also a misconception. They actually have seen those things and they wanted to clear them away from that are and that’s what was done. We have investigated throughly, the Chief of army Staff is here. we have investigated thoroughly and there is nothing like such no member of the Armed Forces fall into doing that. And he’s very clear.”
Earlier, General Musa mentioned that the National Security Council convened to brief the President on the current situation in the country.
He emphasized the ongoing collaboration between security agencies since the protests began saying that the earlier announced protests has turned to riot thereby seeing taking advantage of the situation to cause mayhem.
“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 thereby 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.
“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.” General Musa added.
Present at the meeting were the Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Among the security and law enforcement agency heads participating are the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the three service chiefs; as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Also in the meeting are the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col Adewale Adeniyi; as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap.
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