Concerns have been raised by Nigerians, including former military officers and diplomats, after protesters at the #EndBadGovernance protest waved what seemed to be the Russian flag. These individuals warned that such actions could pose security risks for the nation, urging caution about potential foreign interference.
Images and videos of protesters in Kano displaying Russian flags have gone viral, leading to concerns among prominent Nigerians about the implications. Lawyer Bulama Bukarti noted the growing pro-Russian sentiment in Northern Nigeria, while a former presidential aide emphasized the need for authorities to monitor the situation. Security experts have also raised alarms about the potential for foreign influence attempting regime change in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria denied any involvement in the protests, stating that the Russian Federation is not connected to the current events in Nigeria. They emphasized that any use of Russian flags was the decision of individuals, and urged the Nigerian government to carefully assess and address these underlying sentiments or influences.