The Russian government has responded to reports that its flags were displayed during protests in Kano on Saturday.
Yury Paramonov, Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Abuja, firmly denied any Russian involvement in these protests or any other incidents in Nigeria.
“The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has no information about any groups of protesters using the Russian flag or other state symbols of our country,” Paramonov stated. “We have not seen such photo or video materials and would appreciate it if the press could provide us with such materials if they exist. Even if such incidents did occur, it would be the decision of individuals. We do not know why they might have used Russian flags.”
He further clarified, “The Russian Federation is in no way involved in the current events in Nigeria. Moreover, Russia does not provide any material or financial support to the protesters.”
This reaction comes amidst growing concerns among some Nigerians, including former military officials and diplomats, who are alarmed by the presence of what appeared to be Russian flags during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. These protests, which began on August 1, are a response to the widespread hardship experienced by citizens.
Reports indicate that security agents have killed at least 17 protesters and arrested many others across the country. Images and videos of protesters in Kano waving Russian flags while chanting “We don’t want bad government” in Hausa have raised security concerns.
