Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Nigerian security forces have detained seven Polish nationals, including six students and a lecturer, for allegedly displaying Russian flags during protests against economic hardship in Nigeria. The detentions, confirmed by both Nigerian and Polish authorities, have heightened diplomatic tensions.
The arrests occurred on Monday in Kano state. Peter Afunanya, a spokesman for Nigeria’s secret service, explained the Poles were detained “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.” Afunanya did not clarify if the detainees were actively participating in the protests or present any evidence of their involvement.
The University of Warsaw identified the detainees as students and a lecturer on a study trip. Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna told PAP that the students were simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and were not carrying any flags. It appears they were taking photos, which might have been misinterpreted. The Polish foreign ministry is working to clarify the incident with Nigerian authorities.
Thousands of young Nigerians have been protesting against the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and alleged bad governance, despite Nigeria being a leading oil producer. In several northern states, a few protesters were seen waving Russian flags, a sight previously common only in coup-hit African countries with growing pro-Russian sentiments.
Responding to a Polish diplomat’s query about the detainees, Afunanya assured that Nigeria is open to collaborating with Poland on the matter. “It is not a targeted operation at Polish citizens,” he stated, without detailing the next steps in the case.
Earlier, Nigeria’s secret service announced the arrest of tailors sewing Russian flags and those sponsoring them. Analysts have expressed concern that the trend of waving Russian flags during protests, seen for the first time in Nigeria, could be dangerous, indicating rising anti-Western and pro-Russian sentiments in parts of Africa. In one viral video from Kano state, a teenager held a Russian flag beside a placard reading: “Russia come and help us.” Russia has denied any involvement in the protests.
Nigeria’s military chief Christopher Musa has declared such acts as treasonous, punishable by death, under Nigerian law, which defines treason as any act that “instigates any foreigner to invade Nigeria with an armed force.”
This incident underscores the complex interplay of local discontent and international political influences, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and its diplomatic relations.
