A group of Polish students and their lecturer, who had been detained in Nigeria, have been released, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday. The students, from the University of Warsaw, were arrested earlier this month in Kano, following accusations that they were raising Russian flags during anti-government protests.
The protests, which erupted on August 1, saw tens of thousands of Nigerians, primarily youths, take to the streets in response to a series of economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. These reforms, which include the partial removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, along with a significant devaluation of the national currency, have resulted in skyrocketing inflation, exacerbating the economic hardships faced by many across the country.
Nigerian authorities initially asserted that the Polish nationals were actively participating in the protests by waving Russian flags—a gesture that raised eyebrows, given Russia’s growing influence in West Africa. However, the Polish foreign ministry swiftly refuted these allegations, clarifying that the students were merely in the vicinity of the protests and were not involved in any activities.
Following their release, the students remained in Kano, according to a social media post by the Polish foreign ministry, which expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to securing their freedom. “The Polish students have been released and are in Kano,” the ministry stated on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Thank you to everyone involved in the release of the Polish citizens!”
When pressed about the students’ return to Poland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Paweł Wroński, indicated that arrangements were being made to organize their transport home as soon as possible. However, he noted that the exact timing of their return would depend on the students’ individual plans. “I think they will be in the country by the end of the week,” Wroński said, adding that the University of Warsaw would also be assisting in their repatriation.
As for the reason behind their arrest, Wroński simply remarked, “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.” This incident underscores the heightened tensions and sensitivities in Nigeria amidst widespread civil unrest, and the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving such situations.
