Nigerian security forces arrested seven Polish nationals for allegedly participating in protests against government policies and economic hardships, according to the national security agency.
The arrests were made amid a week of unrest sparked by economic struggles following reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Polish foreign ministry claims that those arrested are students and a teacher, not activists.
Africa’s most populous country is facing a severe cost-of-living crisis. President Tinubu’s reforms aim to revitalize the economy and attract foreign investment.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with Amnesty International reporting 21 deaths due to a security crackdown. Police, however, claim seven fatalities and deny any responsibility for these deaths.
In addition to the Polish nationals, security forces have arrested numerous individuals for displaying Russian flags during the protests.
This behavior mirrors recent demonstrations in Niger and Burkina Faso, where coups have led to military regimes aligning with Moscow.
Authorities are cracking down on such activities to maintain national security and order.
The seven Polish citizens were arrested in Kano for their supposed involvement in protests and for waving Russian flags, as stated by the Department of State Security (DSS).
The DSS has not provided further details regarding their actions. Andrzej Szejna, Polish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, told RMF FM that the students and teacher were caught up in the unrest by accident.
Warsaw University reassured that Bayero University’s Chancellor confirmed the students’ safety, now in Abuja.
The university is coordinating with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and consular services, keeping families informed. President Tinubu has addressed the nation, urging patience with reforms meant to benefit the economy, despite military warnings of attempts to destabilize the government.
