The police in Borno State have confirmed the arrest of nine protesters for allegedly displaying Russian flags in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Yusuf Lawal, made this known on Tuesday while providing a situation report in Maiduguri.
He said the suspects were arrested in the Zannari Tamsu area of Gwange Ward, Maiduguri, on August 5, 2024.
Lawal said the suspects were identified as Khalafi Abdulhamid, Mohammed Abubakar, Mohamed Ibrahim and Abba Hassan, all residents of the Zannari Tamsu area.
“Additionally, five more protesters were apprehended in the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri, carrying Russian flags.
“The suspects, Bashir Ahmad, Musa Lawan, Abba Mallam, Habibu Auwal, and Inusa Abdullahi, were transferred to the Crack Squad for discreet investigation, and diligent prosecution,” he said.
The commissioner said the situation of the protest had remained calm, adding that the police would continue to monitor and patrol the area to ensure public safety.
Protesters waving foreign flags have been spotted in Kano, Abuja, Kaduna and Borno since the nationwide demonstrations commenced on August 1.
On Monday, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, warned that waving foreign flags during the protests would no longer be tolerated.