Poland denies involvement of its citizens in waving Russian flags during Kano protest

Poland has refuted claims that its nationals were involved in waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano. The protest, which began on August 1, was driven by frustration over rising living costs and saw demonstrators in several northern states, including Kano, brandishing Russian flags.

The Department of State Services (DSS) detained seven Polish nationals in connection with the incident. According to DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, the Poles were being investigated for their involvement in the protest.

However, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, has cast doubt on the claims. In a statement to the Polish news agency PAP, Szejna suggested it was unlikely that Polish citizens would engage in such activities in Nigeria. The detained individuals, including six students and their lecturer from the University of Warsaw, were reportedly on an exchange program at Bayero University in Kano.

Szejna clarified that the group had not been carrying flags but were instead taking photographs, which may have been misinterpreted. He emphasized that the students and their lecturer were simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The Polish government has requested the release of its citizens. Under Secretary of State Jakub Wisniewski urged the Nigerian government to facilitate their return, highlighting the concern of their families waiting for their safe return.

University Rector Alojzy Nowak also appealed for the release of the detained students and lecturer, describing their return as a priorit