Our citizens didn’t wave Russian flag in Nigeria during #EndBadGovernance protest – Poland Government

The government of Poland, officially known as the Republic of Poland, has rejected claims linking its nationals to the waving of Russian flags during the recent EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria.

Amid the country’s worsening economic situation, some Nigerians took to the streets from August 1 to August 10, demanding the reversal of government policies they believe have caused widespread hardship.

As the protests intensified, some demonstrators were seen waving Russian flags in Kano, Kaduna, and other northern states while holding placards and chanting anti-government slogans.

In response, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested seven Polish nationals on August 5, 2024, for allegedly waving Russian flags during the protests in Kano.

Last week, the Nigeria Police Force reported that the number of suspects detained in connection with the display of Russian flags in states including Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Katsina had risen to 90.

Additionally, the Force announced the arrest of Ahmed Taylor for allegedly mass-producing the Russian flags used by some protesters in Kano and other northern states.

Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa stated that those involved in displaying Russian flags in Nigeria had committed a treasonable offense.

At a diplomatic meeting on August 7, DSS Spokesperson Peter Afunanya clarified that the Polish nationals were being investigated and had been arrested in Kano during the nationwide protest against hunger.

“For the persons that we have picked up from Kano, it was because of where they were found during the protest and display of the foreign flag in Kano that was two days ago,” Afunanya said.

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, questioned the allegations in an interview with the Polish news agency PAP, suggesting that it is improbable for Polish nationals to be involved in waving Russian flags in Nigeria.

Reports indicate that the individuals arrested are six students and their lecturer from the University of Warsaw, currently on an exchange program at Bayero University in Kano.

Szejna added, “This is a group of African studies students who found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“They were carrying no flags but it seems that they were taking photos and this had been interpreted in this way.” he maintained.

Jakub Wiśniewski, the Undersecretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has urged the Nigerian government to release the detained Polish citizens and permit their return to Poland.

Additionally, Alojzy Nowak, the Rector of the University of Warsaw, has also appealed for the release of the Polish nationals.

He said, “The release of six African Studies students and a lecturer from our university held in Nigeria is a priority for me.”