Nigeria Releases Six Polish Students Detained During Anti-Government Protests

Six Polish students and their teacher, who were arrested in Nigeria during protests against government policies and the rising cost of living, have been released, according to Poland’s foreign minister on Wednesday.

The seven Polish nationals were detained earlier this month in Kano, a state in northwestern Nigeria, after authorities suspected their involvement in the protests and their alleged display of Russian flags, as reported by the Nigerian national security agency.

However, Polish authorities clarified that the individuals were University of Warsaw students and their teacher, who inadvertently found themselves caught up in the protests.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski confirmed their release, stating, “I can confirm that the students are now free and have returned to campus in Kano with their passports,” in a video message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He added, “I believe the students have had a swift introduction to African studies… I hope they will return home soon.

“Nigeria is currently facing its most severe cost-of-living crisis in years, following economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at revitalizing the economy and attracting foreign investment.