Nigeria’s service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police have pledged to resist any attempts to unlawfully change the government amid the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets in protest against the rising cost of living, with some protesters in the northern region seen waving Russian flags, causing concern among stakeholders.

In a security briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the service chiefs vowed to defend the country’s democracy. “I want to, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, state unequivocally that the Nigerian Army is committed to defending our democracy, peace, and harmony, and we will not shift ground on that,” said Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. “Calling for an unconstitutional change of government will not be tolerated. The army will not sit by and watch the nation slide into anarchy.”

Inspector General of Police (IGP) warned those engaging in subversive campaigns by waving the Russian flag. He stated that some individuals had been arrested and would be dealt with decisively for offences constituting treasonable felony. “This is not a protest but an act of treason. The Nigeria police have arrested several individuals, and they will be dealt with accordingly,” the IGP said. “It is very, very implicating for them to be seen with flags of other countries while protesting.”

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa echoed similar sentiments, warning those encouraging an unconstitutional takeover of the government. “We respect human rights and the lawful duties of everyone, but we will not relent in pursuing those who encourage unconstitutional actions or engage in vandalism and destruction of lives and properties,” he said.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, revealed that the sponsors of the “mayhem” have been identified and placed on a watchlist. “Some sponsors are in the diaspora, and we have identified them. They are on our watchlist, and any attempt they make to enter the country will be reported to the necessary authorities,” Nandap said.

Peter Afunanya, spokesman for the Department of State Services (DSS), promised to reveal the names of those sponsoring the unrest. “There are aspects of our operations we cannot disclose now due to ongoing investigations, but I assure you, we will take it to the end and reveal the information to the public,” he said.