The Federal Government issued a stern warning yesterday to foreign nations, urging them to refrain from meddling in Nigeria’s internal matters. This caution follows reports of foreign flags being displayed during ongoing protests against economic hardship, particularly in northern states like Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara, as well as the arrest of several foreigners alleged to be sponsoring the demonstrations.

Despite the protests subsiding in most areas, they continued yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where thugs infiltrated the crowds, attacking both protesters and journalists. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army confirmed that it had detained the soldier responsible for shooting a 16-year-old boy in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, noting that an investigation is underway.

In other developments, the governments of Plateau and Bauchi states, which had imposed curfews during the height of the protests, began easing restrictions as calm returned to the regions.

During a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar emphasized the importance of maintaining positive international relations but stressed that Nigeria will not tolerate foreign interference in its domestic affairs. Tuggar highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to address the country's challenges and urged foreign entities to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.

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"While the government is actively working on various reforms to address the issues facing our nation, it’s crucial to remind everyone that no country allows foreign interference in its internal matters. Nigeria is no exception," Tuggar stated. "We will take appropriate action against any foreign entity found to be supporting the protests or interfering in our internal affairs."

He also called for continued collaboration from the international community to support Nigeria's efforts in overcoming current challenges and improving the lives of its citizens.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding the rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. He also pledged to investigate the recent violence, ensuring those responsible are brought to justice. Idris expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for their support, assuring them that the unrest had subsided and that the government's policy interventions would soon bring positive outcomes.

In a related development, the government of Bauchi State announced the easing of the 24-hour curfew in Katagum, offering relief to residents who had been under strict lockdown due to deteriorating security conditions in the area.