Poland denies citizens’ involvement in displaying Russian flag

Poland has denied that its nationals were involved in waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano.

Reports from WITHIN9JA indicate that on August 1, during protests against the economic hardships in various parts of the country, some demonstrators in northern states, including Kano, were seen waving Russian flags.

Following this, the Department of State Services (DSS) detained seven Polish nationals in connection with the incident during the protest in Kano.

During a meeting with the diplomatic corps on August 7, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya confirmed that the detained Poles were under investigation.

ALso see; Poland denies citizens’ involvement in displaying Russian flag

However, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, told PAP, a Polish news agency, that it was unlikely that Polish citizens would raise Russian flags in Nigeria.

The detained individuals were six students and their lecturer from the University of Warsaw, who were in Kano on an exchange program with Bayero University.

Szejna explained, “This is a group of African studies students who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were not carrying any flags but were apparently taking photos, which may have been misinterpreted.”

The Polish government has requested the Nigerian government to release its nationals. Jakub Wisniewski, Under Secretary of State in the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged the Nigerian authorities to allow the students to return to Poland, where their families are awaiting them.

Alojzy Nowak, the rector of the University of Warsaw, also issued a statement appealing for the release of the students and their lecturer, stating, “The release of the six African Studies students and their lecturer from our university detained in Nigeria is a top priority for me.”