Protests in Nigeria have escalated dramatically, with demonstrators now calling for foreign intervention as they wave flags from countries like Russia and Japan.
The protests began on Friday in Kano, where some participants displayed Russian flags, although the reasons behind this action remain unclear.
By Saturday, similar displays were reported in northern states such as Plateau, Katsina, Borno, and Zamfara, with some protestors explicitly stating, “We are Nigerians, Russia we need your help.” This unusual call for assistance from foreign powers has raised concerns about potential regime change, a fear echoed by supporters of the Nigerian government.
The backdrop of these protests is Nigeria’s ongoing economic hardship, which has intensified calls for action against hunger and poverty. Protesters have expressed a willingness to risk violence rather than continue suffering from deprivation. Some analysts suggest that the presence of foreign flags could indicate a growing anti-West sentiment among certain groups in Nigeria, particularly in the north, where historical ties with neighboring Sahelian countries have facilitated Russian influence.
Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani speculated that the distribution of Russian flags might have been orchestrated by external actors, highlighting the potential for manipulation within the protest movement. Security experts have warned against the implications of aligning with foreign powers, urging caution to prevent undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
