Poland’s foreign ministry has said it is actively working to secure the release of seven Polish nationals, including six students and a lecturer from the University of Warsaw, who were detained in Kano amid widespread protests.
The Polish government also dismissed media reports suggesting the group was displaying Russian flags during their detention.
According to AP, a Nigerian security services spokesperson indicated that the group was detained for “displaying foreign flags.”
However, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna refuted the claims, stating that the detained individuals were not carrying flags but were merely photographing the protests.
“Polish consular services are actively seeking their release and are in contact with both the Nigerian authorities and the students’ families,” Szejna told the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
Poland’s foreign ministry also confirmed that it is working with Nigerian authorities to clarify the situation and support the detained citizens.
The University of Warsaw has also issued a statement confirming that the detained individuals are affiliated with its Faculty of Oriental Studies.
According to the university, the group’s presence outside their accommodation at night was deemed a violation of local laws by the police.
