FG Warns Foreign Nations to Stay Clear of Nigeria’s Internal Affairs Over Protests

The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned foreign countries to desist from meddling in the nation’s internal affairs as reports abound of foreign flags being flown during ongoing protests against economic hardship, particularly in some northern states.

There have been several arrests of people in connection with the protests, including that of several foreigners accused of sponsoring the unrest.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, toed the line on Wednesday at a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.

He emphasised the need to sustain mutual international relationships, warning that Nigeria, on its part, as a sovereign nation, would not tolerate any interference in its internal matters.

“The government will take appropriate action against any foreign entity resident in Nigeria found to be involved either directly or derivatively in supporting the protesters by whatever means or seeking to interfere in the country’s internal affairs,” Tuggar said.

The protests spread across Lagos, Benin, Osun, Oyo, Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, and Abuja. They took a violent turn in some states, and this has seen the government respond with curfew enforcement.

In one instance, six Spaniards were arrested in Kano, allegedly for their involvement in the protests.

The Nigerian Army is holding a soldier who was responsible for the shooting that killed a 16-year-old boy in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday evening. The Army has confirmed that he is now under investigation.

In an address, the Minister for Information and National Orientation clarified that the government would remain steadfast in realising rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

He also told the diplomatic community that investigations over the recent violence incidents were ongoing, and he would ensure that those found guilty face the full force of the law.

“We are committed to making sure such unfortunate incidences do not recur in the future. I want to assure you that the worst is over, and we can now, as a nation, march forward to enjoy the fruit of all the policy and programme interventions being implemented,” he said.

The Department of State Services, DSS, yesterday revealed that it is investigating seven Polish nationals who were arrested in Kano over their alleged involvement in the widespread waving of the Russian flag during the protest.

Speaking during a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday with members of the diplomatic corps, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said the Polish nationals were arrested in connection with the waving of Russian flags during the protest.

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