By Idriss LAWAL
Nigeria’s incessant security crisis has been blamed of external forces, according to the Presidency.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, cited international claims and developments which he said indicate that foreign interests could be playing a role in the country’s terrorism challenge.
Bwala, who spoke on The Link Up Podcast, a panel discussion hosted by EchoRoom, recalled demonstrations in parts of northern Nigeria during which protesters reportedly displayed Russian flags, describing the development as one of the indicators that Nigeria’s security challenge may have dimensions beyond its borders.
“If you remember, there was a decision the Federal Government of Nigeria made at that time, immediately we started seeing these people in Nigeria lifting Russian flags,” he said.
Some protesters in northern Nigerian states, particularly Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and Katsina, had hoisted Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
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Some of the protesters also chanted slogans calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene and even called for a military takeover of the government.
The presidential aide also referenced allegations made by United States Congressman, Scott Perry, during a congressional hearing, in which the lawmaker claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded two deadly insurgent groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).
Although he stressed that he was neither confirming nor endorsing the allegations, Bwala said they demonstrated that discussions about possible external influence on terrorism in Nigeria had been held at the international level.
“I wouldn’t say that, but I will tell you what I saw,” Bwala said.
