Seven Polish nationals arrested in Kano State amid the nationwide protests against hunger and hardship are now under investigation by the Department of State Services.

The DSS revealed this during a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps on Wednesday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tugar, led the meeting, which also included the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, a representative of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.

A DSS representative explained that the Polish nationals were detained due to their display of foreign flags during the protests in the North-West region. “They were picked up because they were seen displaying foreign flags. We want to clarify that this arrest is not targeting Polish nationals specifically,” the representative said.

Minister Tugar used the meeting to highlight the Federal Government’s efforts to improve socioeconomic conditions in Nigeria, including reducing debt servicing from 90 percent to 68 percent. “We are working hard to ensure food security, create jobs, and attract investments,” Tugar said.

He also addressed concerns about recent negative social media narratives that could threaten national peace. “The Federal Government is committed to protecting both members of the diplomatic corps and Nigerian citizens, following international laws,” Tugar added. He warned that anyone found guilty of funding or supporting the protests, both domestically and internationally, would face consequences.

Earlier, DSS Spokesperson Peter Afunanya announced that the identities of those funding the protests and displaying foreign flags will be revealed soon. “We urge Nigerians to be patient as the Federal Government continues its investigation,” Afunanya said.

The nationwide protests began on August 1, 2024, and have seen demonstrators carrying Russian flags in some Northern states. The DSS is actively working to identify and address any attempts to incite unrest.