LAGOS, Nigeria

The Nigerian military rejected demands Tuesday for a change of government made by youth protesters during nationwide demonstrations against economic hardship.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and Army Chief Lieut. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja said at a National Security news conference in Abuja that the military will not yield to demands for an overthrow of the elected government.

"We recognized the right of Nigerians to protest and we're mindful that we are being paid by Nigerians. We are ready to protect all Nigerians but we won’t allow people to change democratic government through the back doors. Such calls and acts will be treated as treason and felony," he said.

Some youth protesters waving Russian flags during #EndBadGovernance protests Monday in northwest Kano and Kaduna states demanded a change of government.

They also urged foreign intervention in the country's economic and security challenges.

Lagbaja assured the readiness of officers and the army to defend the Constitution and uphold its territorial integrity.​​​​​​​

Mass protests against the high cost of electricity, petrol, transport and health care which started Aug. 1 degenerated into violence in parts of the country. Public property and government offices were vandalized and looted in most areas of northern states, promoting authorities to impose a curfew.

At least 17 deaths were recorded in fighting between protesters and police. Officials said they have arrested some who "infiltrated peaceful protests" for vandalism and looting.

They, however, did not provide details and the number arrested but said perpetrators would soon be charged.​​​​​​​