The Department of State Service, DSS, have confirmed detention of seven Polish nationals for allegedly displaying Russian flags during the demonstrations. The arrests took place on Monday in Kano State, a development that has raised eyebrows among both local and international observers.
Arrests During Protests
The protests, primarily driven by Nigeria’s worsening cost-of-living crisis, saw thousands of young Nigerians take to the streets in a bid to voice their frustrations over alleged bad governance and economic mismanagement. These protests, held across several states, have been marked by an unusual sight: the waving of Russian flags. This phenomenon has sparked debate, as such displays are usually seen in African nations experiencing military coups and growing anti-Western sentiments.
Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), confirmed the arrest of the Polish nationals, stating they were detained because of their location during the protests and for the act of displaying foreign flags. Afunanya made these remarks during a meeting with diplomats hosted by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Polish Authorities Respond
In response to the arrests, the Polish Foreign Affairs Ministry took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that those detained included students and a lecturer. The ministry assured the public that its consular service is actively working with Nigerian authorities to clarify the situation and ascertain the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
“It is not a targeted operation at Polish citizens,” stated Afunanya, addressing concerns from a Polish diplomat about the nature of the detainment. He further expressed the DSS’s willingness to collaborate with Poland on resolving the matter.
Waving of Russian Flags Raises Concerns
The presence of Russian flags at these protests has sparked significant concern among analysts and Nigerian authorities alike. Historically, such displays have been linked to countries in Africa undergoing coups, where pro-Russian sentiments are on the rise, often as a result of militaries seeking to distance themselves from Western influence.
In Kano, videos have surfaced showing young protesters brandishing Russian flags, with one teenager notably holding a placard that read, “Russia come and help us.” This display has raised questions about the potential for growing anti-Western sentiment within Nigeria.
Nigeria’s military chief, Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning about such actions, categorizing them as acts of treason. Under Nigerian law, treason is a serious offense punishable by death, defined as any act that includes instigating foreigners to invade Nigeria with an armed force.
Concerns Over Potential Foreign Influence
As the protests continue to unfold, the DSS has also announced the arrest of local tailors allegedly responsible for sewing the Russian flags, as well as those purportedly sponsoring these activities. This development underscores the concerns about foreign influence and the potential implications for Nigeria’s political stability.
The arrests and the presence of foreign nationals at these protests have added a new dimension to the ongoing demonstrations. As both Nigerian and Polish authorities work to address the situation, the focus remains on understanding the motivations behind these actions and ensuring that the protests remain peaceful and free from foreign interference.
Ayo Sogbuyi is a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting. Throughout his career, he has covered significant global events and championed the role of journalism in holding power to account.