Seven Polish citizens were arrested in Kano, Nigeria, during escalating anti-government protests sparked by widespread economic hardship. The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, have turned violent in several northern states, leading to a heavy crackdown by Nigerian authorities.
The Polish nationals were detained for allegedly displaying Russian flags during the demonstrations. The Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) confirmed the arrests, stating that the action was part of routine security measures and not a targeted operation against Polish citizens. The display of Russian flags by some protesters has raised concerns, with the Nigerian government labeling the act as treason, especially as some demonstrators openly called for a military coup.
The protests have resulted in nearly 900 arrests, with several political figures under investigation for allegedly orchestrating the use of foreign symbols to provoke unrest. International bodies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have urged dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully. They have also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, emphasizing their importance for Nigeria’s future.
As the protests have subsided, partially due to the government’s strict response, curfews in some areas have been lifted. However, security remains tight, and the situation continues to be closely monitored to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
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