Aug. 11th, 2024

Poland Counters DSS: Detained Nationals Were Merely Taking Protest Photos

Poland has responded to the recent detention of its nationals in Kano, Nigeria, with a statement disputing claims that they were involved in waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest on August 6. The Polish government insists that the six students and their lecturer were only taking photos and were not participants in the demonstration. The Department of State Services (DSS) had initially arrested the Poles along with six Spanish nationals, alleging that their presence and the display of foreign flags were grounds for their arrest. However, the Polish foreign ministry has refuted these allegations, emphasizing that the detained individuals were engaged in an academic exchange program at Bayero University in Kano.

The University of Warsaw, where the students are enrolled, has made their release a top priority. The Polish Deputy Foreign Minister, Jakub Wisniewski, has appealed to the Nigerian government for their swift return, expressing skepticism over the flag-waving claims.

Amidst these diplomatic tensions, calls for patience and a thorough investigation are being made. Polish and Nigerian officials are working to resolve the situation while balancing national interests and diplomatic relations.