Police arrest nine protesters with Russian flags in Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command has arrested nine protesters who were allegedly waving Russian flags in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Lawal, revealed that the arrests occurred on August 5, 2024, in the Zannari Tamsu area of Gwange Ward.

The individuals taken into custody include Khalafi Abdulhamid, Mohammed Abubakar, Mohamed Ibrahim, and Abba Hassan, all from that area. Five more protesters were detained in the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri for also displaying Russian flags.

“The protest situation is under control, and police will maintain vigilance and patrol the area to ensure public safety,” Lawal assured. The detainees have been handed over to the Crack Squad for a detailed investigation and potential prosecution.

The arrests come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the display of Russian flags reportedly sparking concerns among authorities.

The police have urged calm and vowed to maintain law and order in the area.