Poland Begs FG For Release Of Citizens Linked To Protests

Poland has filed a formal request to Nigeria to release seven Polish nationals who were jailed in Kano for allegedly raising the Russian flag during a recent hunger protest.

The detainees, a lecturer and six Warsaw University students, were in Nigeria for a Hausa language program.

Jakub Wisniewski, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, met with Nigeria’s charge d’affaires in Warsaw and requested the safe return of the arrested Poles.

Wisniewski speculated that the students’ conduct could have been motivated by a lack of knowledge about local customs, culture, or legislation.

“During the meeting, I conveyed that I was convinced that the students’ behavior could have resulted from their ignorance of local customs, culture, and laws. I appealed for the possibility of their return to Poland, to their homes, where their families are waiting for them,” Wisniewski stated.

Despite the incident, Wisniewski refuted the suggestion that the students were deliberately showing pro-Russian sentiment, adding that Poland, a country with a difficult past under Russian occupation, is outspokenly critical of Russian actions, notably in Ukraine.

The Department of State Services (DSS) reported the Poles’ arrest on Wednesday, adding that they were being interrogated in Abuja. The DSS also warned against foreign intervention in local protests, stating that “appropriate action” will be taken against any foreign companies participating.

The DSS spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, confirmed that the arrests were not part of a targeted operation against Polish nationals. “The persons were picked up as a result of security enforcement because of where they were when the incident happened,” he said.

He also stated that the Nigerian government is committed to sustaining domestic peace and stability, and encouraged other countries not to allow their territory to be used as a base for actions that could endanger Nigeria’s security.

In addition to the Poles, six Spaniards were arrested for allegedly participating in the protests. Afunanya warned that anyone found to have funded the protesters would face severe consequences.

As tensions grow, the Polish consul plans to speak with the arrested nationals, who have been confirmed to be secure in Abuja.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli