DSS Confirms Arrest of Tailors Allegedly Sewing Russian Flags for Protesters

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of several tailors in Kano State who were found sewing Russian flags allegedly intended for use by #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters. This was revealed in a statement issued by the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, on Monday in Abuja.

Afunanya confirmed that an investigation is underway, with efforts being made to identify and apprehend those sponsoring the production of the flags.

Contrary to circulating reports, Afunanya clarified that the DSS did not arrest Adaramoye Michael, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, also known as Michael Lenin. He did, however, confirm that the activist is currently in DSS custody, though further details were not provided.

The statement from the DSS reads, “The Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked up.”

It also emphasized, “The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody.”

In a related development, the police reported the arrest of the supplier of the Russian flags, along with 30 protesters, earlier on Monday.

The nationwide protest, which began on Thursday, August 1, is a response to the growing hardship experienced by citizens across the country. Reports indicate that former diplomats and ex-military officials have expressed concern over the sight of demonstrators in some northern states waving Russian flags and chanting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia.”

Russia, currently engaged in geopolitical tensions with the West, has been linked to several unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

In response to the use of Russian flags during the protests, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement on Monday denying any involvement or coordination with the protesters. The embassy clarified that the display of Russian symbols by some demonstrators is a personal choice and does not reflect the official stance or policy of the Russian government.