The Department of State Services (DSS) has launched an investigation into the arrest of seven Polish nationals involved in nationwide protests against hunger and hardship in Kano State.
This development was disclosed by DSS spokesperson Dr. Peter Afunanya during a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and members of the diplomatic corps on Wednesday.
The meeting, convened in response to the protests that began on August 1, 2024, included key officials such as the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, a representative of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Afunanya revealed that the individuals were detained for displaying foreign flags in the North-West region amid the protests.
News About Nigeria reported that demonstrators in some northern states were seen carrying the Russian flag and chanting slogans, while others held various placards.
This has led to speculation that Russia might be influencing the protests, similar to the recent coups in African countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Afunanya clarified that the arrest of the Polish nationals was not a targeted action but a consequence of their participation in the protests.
He assured that the detained individuals are under investigation.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa issued a stern warning against protesters flying Russian flags in parts of Kano and Kaduna states, labelling such actions as treasonous.
Gen. Musa expressed serious concerns over the display of foreign flags, interpreting it as a call for military intervention in the ongoing nationwide protests.
In a statement on Monday, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria denied any involvement with the use of its flag by the protesters.
The embassy stressed that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria, and that the protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
