Abuja, Nigeria – Polish diplomats are actively working to secure the release of seven Polish citizens who were detained in Nigeria earlier this week. The group, which includes six students and a lecturer from Warsaw University, was participating in a program to study the Hausa language in Kano, a city in northern Nigeria.
The detentions occurred during protests in the area, with Nigeria’s secret service stating that the group was arrested for allegedly carrying Russian flags during the demonstrations. However, Polish officials have expressed skepticism about this claim, suggesting it may be a misunderstanding.
In an effort to resolve the situation, the Polish consul in Abuja met with the detained students on Friday. According to a statement from Poland’s Foreign Ministry, the students are in good health and are currently staying in a hotel in a well-regarded district of the city. “They are feeling well and in good condition. They are currently living in a hotel in a good district of the city,” the statement read. The ministry also emphasized that no formal charges have been brought against the students and lecturer, and that the investigation is ongoing.
Polish authorities are working closely with Nigerian officials to clarify the legal situation of the detainees. During the meeting with the students, the Polish consul conveyed that he believed their behavior might have been the result of a lack of familiarity with local customs, culture, and laws. The consul also appealed for their safe return to Poland as soon as possible. “No charges have been brought against them, and procedures are underway to conclude the investigation,” the Polish Foreign Ministry stated.
Wojciech Wisniewski, a senior Polish diplomat, commented on the incident, stating that he did not believe the students had been carrying Russian flags, a claim that has been at the center of the detentions. He expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved swiftly and that the students would be able to return home soon.
The situation is particularly sensitive given the broader geopolitical context. Pro-Russian sentiment is highly unusual in Central European nations like Poland, which has a history of resistance against Russian influence and currently strongly supports Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Polish authorities are keen to ensure that this misunderstanding does not escalate further and that the students are released without incident.
As the investigation continues, the Polish government remains committed to providing support to the detained citizens and working towards their safe and prompt return to Poland.
AP
