By Milcah Tanimu
The Polish foreign ministry is actively pursuing the release of seven Polish nationals, including six students and a lecturer from the University of Warsaw, who were detained in Kano during recent protests.
Reports initially suggested the group was displaying Russian flags during their detention. However, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna has firmly denied these allegations, stating that the individuals were merely photographing the protests and were not in possession of any flags.
A spokesperson for Nigerian security services had indicated that the group was detained for “displaying foreign flags.” In response, Szejna clarified, “Polish consular services are actively seeking their release and are in contact with both the Nigerian authorities and the students’ families,” as reported by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
The Polish foreign ministry is collaborating with Nigerian officials to clarify the situation and provide support to the detained citizens. The University of Warsaw also confirmed that the detained individuals are affiliated with its Faculty of Oriental Studies, stating that their presence outside their accommodation at night was considered a violation of local laws by the police.
Poland continues to advocate for the release of its nationals, emphasizing diplomatic resolution and the safety of those detained.
