Nigerian authorities have arrested seven Polish nationals for raising Russian flags during anti-government protests in the northern state of Kano. Peter Afunanya, a spokesperson for the state security service, announced on Wednesday. The arrests were made as the Department of State Services (DSS) worked to maintain security amid widespread unrest.
Since August 1, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets in protest against President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which include the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies, currency devaluation, and surging inflation rates.
These measures have sparked outrage, particularly in northern states, where protests have turned deadly. Amnesty International reported that 22 people have been killed in the demonstrations, with more fatalities occurring in Kano.
This week, Russian flags were spotted among protesters in several northern states, raising concerns about increasing Russian influence in western Africa.
Some of the individuals responsible for making the banners were also detained by security forces.
Afunanya clarified that the operations were not specifically targeting Polish citizens but were part of broader security efforts. The Polish consul to Nigeria, Stanislaw Gulinski, confirmed the arrests during a meeting between Nigeria’s foreign minister and diplomats in Abuja.
“The Abuja (diplomatic post) was informed about the arrest of a group of Polish students and a lecturer in Kano, northern Nigeria,” the Polish foreign ministry wrote on social media platform X.”
“The consular service is establishing the exact circumstances of the incident with the local authorities in order to support our citizens. The ministry of foreign affairs remains in contact with the families of those detained.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, condemned the display of foreign flags during the protests, labeling it a “treasonable offence” after discussing the situation with President Tinubu on Monday.
In northern states such as Borno, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina, protesters were seen waving hundreds of Russian flags, with some even calling for a military takeover.
The Russian embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the protests.
