Operatives from the Kano State Police Command have apprehended six Spanish nationals and 76 others in connection with the ongoing protests against economic hardship in Nigeria.
Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Garba confirmed that among those arrested was a tailor responsible for sewing Russian flags used during the demonstrations.
During a phone interview on August 6, Garba stated, “We have arrested six Spanish nationals and 76 others, including the tailor. We recovered 23 Russian flags and are currently tracking the sponsors of these protests.”
He noted that the suspects have been transferred to Force Headquarters due to the serious nature of the allegations, which involve sedition and national security.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun also addressed the situation, indicating that some sponsors of the protests, who displayed foreign flags and called for governmental change, have been detained.
He revealed that authorities have blocked the accounts of those funding the unrest and have halted their financial support.
The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have been marked by calls for better governance and have seen participants waving Russian flags.
The Nigerian military has condemned this act, labeling it treasonous, and has warned against any display of foreign flags within the country. General Christopher Musa emphasized that the military will not tolerate attempts to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Senator Shehu Sani has characterized the protests as an effort to destabilize the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting that the demonstrations are not merely about policy issues but rather a coordinated attempt to seize power.
