Russia Reacts to Arrest of Tailors Creating Russian Flag for Kano Protesters

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday confirmed the arrest of several tailors in Kano State who were allegedly responsible for mass-producing Russian flags distributed among #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters.

The DSS also apprehended some sponsors linked to these activities and clarified that Adaramoye Michael, also known as Michael Lenin, was not in their custody despite media reports suggesting otherwise.

The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, were a response to the severe hardships faced by Nigerian citizens. Demonstrators in northern states, including Kano and Kaduna, were seen waving Russian flags and chanting slogans in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This led to speculations about Russia's involvement in the protests, especially given its alleged influence in recent political crises in West African countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

However, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria swiftly denied any involvement. In a statement released on August 5, 2024, the embassy emphasized that neither the Russian government nor its officials were coordinating or supporting the protesters.

"The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way," the statement read.

The embassy further condemned the actions of the protesters, reiterating that Russia respects Nigeria’s democracy and believes in peaceful demonstrations that conform to Nigerian law.

The embassy attributed the use of Russian symbols by the protesters to personal choices, stating, "These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government on the issue."

The ongoing hunger protest has escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of approximately 13 people since it began. The DSS continues its investigation into the matter, aiming to uncover the full extent of the involvement of those arrested and their sponsors.