On Monday, August 5, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha, condemned protesters who have been calling for a coup and flying Russian flags in Nigeria. Speaking after an emergency security session with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, General Mustapha emphasized that such actions are treasonable offenses and will be prosecuted accordingly.
“All of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable,” stated General Mustapha. “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 a treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.”
General Mustapha also addressed the issue of coups, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to democracy. “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,” he asserted.
The Defence Chief highlighted the President’s instructions to maintain peace and stability in Nigeria. “The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria. We are 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.”
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General Mustapha warned that the military will take action if necessary. “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. Those who have done that will go in for the books and they will be prosecuted,” he concluded.
