In the northern state of Kano, Nigerian authorities have detained seven Polish nationals for raising Russian flags during recent anti-government demonstrations, according to Peter Afunanya, the state security service spokesperson.
Since the beginning of August, Nigeria has witnessed massive protests against President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies. These reforms have resulted in the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies, a devalued currency, and inflation rates soaring to three-decade highs.
The sight of Russian flags being waved by some protesters in the northern states has raised alarms about growing Russian influence in West Africa. In response, security services have also detained several tailors believed to have produced these flags.
Afunanya explained that the detention of the Polish nationals occurred during security operations by the Department of State Services. While he did not disclose their identities, he emphasized that the actions were not specifically targeting Polish citizens.
Stanislaw Gulinski, a Polish consul in Nigeria, confirmed the arrests during a meeting with Nigeria’s foreign minister and other diplomats in Abuja. “They were detained two days ago in Kano, and the last update I received was that they were being transferred to Abuja,” he stated. Gulinski declined to offer additional comments when contacted by Reuters.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, labeled the display of foreign flags during the protests as a “treasonable offence” following his security discussions with President Bola Tinubu on Monday.
In the northern states of Borno, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina, numerous protesters were seen waving Russian flags, with some even calling for a military coup.
The Russian embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in these events.