Nigeria’s Government Concerned Over Increased Russia’s Influence in the Protests

Nigeria’s government is increasingly alarmed over the visible influence of Russia in recent protests across the country. Demonstrators, protesting economic hardships, have been seen brandishing Russian flags in various states, an act authorities have condemned as a threat to national sovereignty.

The Russian embassy in Nigeria has categorically denied any involvement in the demonstrations, asserting that the presence of Russian flags is a personal choice by some protesters and not indicative of official Russian policy.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s calls for an end to the protests, they continue to erupt in several states, leading to a heavy crackdown by security forces. Since the protests began last Thursday, at least 13 people have been reported dead. Demonstrators are voicing their anger over the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, alongside longstanding issues of corruption and ineffective governance.

Accusations have been leveled against Nigerian security forces for their heavy-handed response to the protests. In response to the unrest, President Tinubu convened a meeting with security chiefs in Abuja, following which a curfew was imposed in northern Kaduna state, the sixth state to implement such measures amidst the chaos.

Economic woes in Nigeria are exacerbated by skyrocketing inflation and government policies that have devalued the local currency against the dollar. Although President Tinubu has pledged to address these concerns, critics argue that his administration has yet to present a concrete plan.

Amidst the turmoil, Nigeria’s secret service has detained several tailors in Kano state accused of producing the Russian flags. The service has launched an investigation into these activities, underscoring the gravity with which the government views the foreign influence in the protests.