The Kano State Police Command in collaboration with sister security agencies have arrested 80 individuals, including several foreign nationals, who were carrying Russian flags during the nationwide protests.
The announcement was made by Kano State Commissioner of Police, Dogo Salman, in an interview with journalists shortly after a security council meeting at the Government House.
According to the CP, the arrest was made with the cooperation of various security agencies, including the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.
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Commissioner Salman emphasized that the detainees were apprehended for their involvement in what he described as a sedition offense, which he noted is beyond the typical jurisdiction of local law enforcement.
“They have been arrested and you know it’s a sedition offense which is more than our level. So, they have been transferred to the appropriate place. By and large, almost 80 of them have been arrested by the joint cooperation of security agencies in Kano state. From the military to the DSS and the police, including foreign nationals in their midst,” Salman stated.
Protesters in Northern Nigeria raise Russian flags
The #Endbadgovernance protests, which featured protesters in some Northern states holding up Russian flags and chanting “Tinubu must go,” have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.
Reactions to the use of foreign symbols in the protests have been strong, with human rights activists, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Mustapha describing the act as a treasonable offence.
Police monitoring security situations in Kano
Following recent changes to the curfew regulations, which have been relaxed from 6pm to 6am, concerns have been raised about ongoing protests. When questioned about the impact of the adjusted curfew on protest activities, Commissioner Salman reassured the public of the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order.
“We’re still monitoring and we are alert. All we are after is peace, and we are ready to do anything to make sure that peace reigns in Kano,” he affirmed.
The situation remains fluid as security agencies continue to monitor and respond to the evolving circumstances in the state.
