Poland’s foreign ministry is actively working to secure the release of seven Polish nationals—a group of six students and a lecturer from the University of Warsaw—who were detained during ongoing protests in Nigeria.
The ministry has also refuted international media reports claiming that the group was displaying Russian flags when they were apprehended.
On Wednesday, major news outlets including Reuters and the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing Nigerian authorities, that the seven Poles were detained in the northern state of Kano.
The incident occurred amid widespread protests by Nigerians over the rising cost of living. AP quoted a Nigerian security services spokesman stating that the group was detained “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.”
Both AP and Reuters suggested that these flags were Russian, noting that some protesters in Nigeria had been seen waving Russian flags.
Related News: Supporters of Nyesom Wike Stage Protest Despite Police Warnings
However, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna contradicted these reports, telling the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the detained Poles “were not carrying any flags, but were taking photos, it seems.”
Szejna assured that Polish consular services are actively seeking their release and are in communication with both Nigerian authorities and the families of the detained individuals.
In a separate statement, Poland’s foreign ministry said it is working to “establish the exact circumstances of the incident with the local authorities in order to support our citizens.”
The ministry is also maintaining contact with the detainees’ families.
The University of Warsaw confirmed that the group, consisting of students and a lecturer from its Faculty of Oriental Studies, had been detained.
The university noted that the local police considered the group’s night-time outing outside their accommodation a violation of local laws.
The university is coordinating with the diplomatic service to support the group and ensure their release.
You can also read: Man Detained by Police After Climbing Mast in Abuja Hunger Protest