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Nigeria’s Federal Government sent a strong message to the international community yesterday, urging foreign powers to respect its territorial integrity and avoid entanglement in domestic issues.
The warning was issued against a backdrop of escalating tensions, as foreign flags were spotted at protests in several northern states, including Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara, where demonstrators are decrying economic hardship.
The situation took a more sinister turn with the arrest of foreign individuals alleged to be financing the protests.
Despite a decline in protest activity across most states, the demonstrations persisted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, where the situation took a dark turn.
Thugs reportedly infiltrated the gathering, attacking protesters and journalists alike,The Nigerian Army has moved quickly to detain a soldier implicated in the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday evening. The soldier is currently being investigated, as the army works to unravel the details of the incident.
In a sign of returning calm, the Plateau and Bauchi state governments have eased the curfews they imposed earlier in the week amidst protests. With normalcy restored to both states yesterday, the relaxation of the curfews marks a significant step towards a return to business as usual.
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During a briefing with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar struck a balance between asserting Nigeria’s sovereignty and emphasizing the value of harmonious international relations.
While issuing a warning against foreign interference, he also underscored the importance of maintaining cordial ties with the global community.
The protests, which swept across major cities including Lagos, Benin, Osun, Oyo, Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and various northern towns, were characterized by outbreaks of violence. Notably, the unrest led to the arrest of at least six Spanish nationals in Kano, who were suspected of involvement in the protests.
The minister called upon the international community to stand in solidarity with Nigeria, offering sustained assistance and cooperation as the country strives to overcome its current hurdles and build a brighter future for generations to come.
The minister cautioned that despite the government’s diligent efforts to tackle Nigeria’s challenges through various reform initiatives, it was essential to acknowledge that foreign intervention in a nation’s internal matters and those of its citizens was universally unacceptable, and Nigeria was no exception.
