The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the use of its flag by a group of protesters in Northern Nigeria.
Protesters were seen marching on the streets, carrying Russian flag and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages.
Russia, a global power with significant geopolitical influence, has been accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries, leading to military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.
The development has sparked concerns about external interference in regional affairs.
But in a statement on Monday, the embassy emphasised that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria, saying that the protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
The statement reads in part, “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in Northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The protesters further called on President Bola Tinubu to step down.
