Nigeria has arrested seven Polish nationals for displaying Russian flags during anti-government protests in Kano, according to Peter Afunanya, a spokesperson for the state security service.
The arrests occurred amid widespread protests against President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which have led to soaring inflation and cuts to subsidies.
The protesters’ use of Russian flags has heightened concerns about Russian influence in West Africa.
The Polish consul, Stanislaw Gulinski, confirmed the arrests but offered no additional details. General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, has condemned the act as “treasonable,” while the Russian embassy denies any connection.
