The Nigerian military has claimed that the hunger protest has been overtaken by criminals and expressed concern about the threats it poses to the country.

On Monday, Chief of Defence Staff General Chris Musa warned protesters and dissenters that displaying foreign flags in Nigerian territory is considered a treasonable act.

This statement followed a meeting between security chiefs and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where they addressed the ongoing unrest in the nation.

In his statement, CDS Musa said, “We wanted to brief Mr President on the situation on the ground. Initially, when the riot started they said it was a peaceful riot, but we have realised that there are individuals that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.

“And we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting is taking place, stealing, and all sorts happening.

“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable. We are warning in clear terms, and the President has also said we should convey that we will not accept anybody, any individual, waving any foreign flag in Nigeria.

"That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody shall allow himself to be used by any individual.

“Also, regarding the issue of coups, Nigeria is a sovereign nation, and all security agencies are here to defend democracy and ensure that democracy continues to strive.

“We will not accept anyone pushing or taking any action, seemingly or for whatever reason, to want to push for any change of government.

"For those of them carrying flags, and if you’ll see, a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that. We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against them.

“The president is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria.

“We’ve said clearly that the military is going to step in when it is out of hand, and you can see that for people supervising elements to push individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria, Nigeria sovereignty, that is crossing the red line and we will not accept that. And those who have done that will go in for it and they will be prosecuted.