Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, has asserted that those carrying Russian flags during the nationwide hardship protests in Kano are predominantly from Niger Republic. According to him, these individuals are using the Russian flag to show their dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, for their stance against the military coup in Niger.
The display of the Russian flag began on Thursday and escalated by Monday in Kano, resulting in a crackdown on those involved. Security agents have arrested several individuals, including a man suspected of producing the flags.
Akinterinwa commented, “Those who are carrying the Russian flag, what does it mean to them? I doubt they understand much beyond supporting Russia over the West. Are these flag bearers Nigerians from Kano? I believe they are likely not Nigerians. Only by considering them as such can one fully grasp the implications.
“There is a porous border between Nigeria and Niger, and the same ethnic communities exist on both sides. Therefore, those carrying the Russian flag are essentially from Niger. They have only come to Kano. These are foreigners seizing the opportunity to signal to the Nigerian government that Nigeriens support the military junta.”
He further warned that this situation could heighten tensions between Nigeria and Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia, potentially drawing Nigeria into a larger conflict.
Akinterinwa elaborated, “The government of Nigeria is unlikely to be taken seriously by Niger because they view Nigeria as a disappointment. There is a need to pursue citizen diplomacy, where citizens of both countries come together to avoid being divided by foreign interests.
“The Russian flag is a message to the Tinubu administration to be more cautious. It’s a warning. Ukraine is at war with Russia but not with Mali. However, knowing that Wagner (a Russian mercenary group) is a key ally for Russia, Ukraine has extended its conflict to Mali.
“By implication, they (Ukrainians) are saying that wherever Russia is found, they can be targeted. If people are carrying Russian flags in Nigeria, we can expect the Ukrainian government’s displeasure, similar to how Israel attacks its enemies globally. Therefore, we need to proceed with greater caution,” he added.
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