Some Nigerians, including a former general and ex-diplomats, have expressed worry after protesters in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance demonstrations were seen waving what appeared to be Russian flags. They believe this scene does not bode well for the country and warn against potential foreign incursions.
The nationwide protest, which began on August 1, was a response to the hardship experienced by citizens. Reports indicate that at least 17 people were killed by security agents, who also arrested numerous protesters. Images and videos of protesters in Kano waving Russian flags went viral as demonstrators chanted in Hausa, “We don’t want bad government.”
Prominent Nigerians raised concerns about the security implications. Lawyer Bulama Bukarti noted the growing support for Russia in Northern Nigeria, suggesting this sentiment is developing organically. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad urged authorities to monitor the situation closely.
Journalist Philip Obaji Jr. highlighted potential excitement from President Vladimir Putin and Russia, given the display of Russian flags during the protests. Russia has been implicated in coups in West African countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, whose military governments have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) chaired by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
A social media user, Kawu Garba, called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate whether Russia is sponsoring protests in Nigeria. Political commentator Kayode Ogundamisi suggested the protesters might be unaware of the implications.
Security experts also weighed in. Retired Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi warned against external forces undermining Nigeria’s democracy, while former ambassador Yemi Farounbi called on protest organizers to avoid external influences. Ambassador Adesola Abolurin linked the call for Russian intervention to the proximity of Northern Nigeria to Niger Republic.
Former NIIA Director-General Professor Bola Akinterinwa speculated that those waving the Russian flag might not be Nigerians. Retired DSS Director Mike Ejiofor emphasized the need for heightened intelligence gathering to address potential threats.
Col. Abdulwahab Ademola Lawal from the Savannah Centre for Development and Training highlighted the trend of Russian influence in Africa, noting its expansion into countries like Sudan, Mali, and Central African Republic.
The Russian Embassy in Nigeria, through Press Secretary Yury Paramonov, denied any involvement in the protests, stating they had no information about groups using Russian flags and had not provided support to the protesters.
