The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended tailors in Kano State for allegedly mass-producing Russian flags. How did we leap from protesting against bad governance to what appears to be plotting an external coup?
Why It Matters
It’s puzzling and alarming that some northerners, under the guise of protest, seem to be channeling the spirit of Niger’s crises in Nigeria. Seriously, why are people in Kano State embracing anti-Western sentiments by brandishing Russian flags? Russia isn’t even a Western country, so what’s the connection?
The federal government needs to act swiftly and thoroughly investigate this bizarre situation. Undermining Nigeria’s democracy and security in this manner is an affront to our national sovereignty. Protests should not be tainted by such reckless actions.
What They Are saying
On Monday, the DSS announced that they had apprehended some of the protest sponsors. According to a statement on their X handle, “The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody. Meanwhile, the Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. An investigation is ongoing.”
This crackdown follows sightings of #EndBadGovernance protesters waving Russian flags in several northern states. The connection between the protests and the Russian flags remains unclear.
Earlier, police authorities had arrested individuals in Nasarawa State suspected of mass-producing these flags. The demonstrators, chanting in Hausa, were seen running through the streets, defiantly waving the controversial flags.
Bottom Line
It’s a confusing and concerning development, raising questions about the true motives behind these protests and the influence of external forces on Nigeria’s internal affairs.
