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Seven Polish nationals arrested in Nigeria for allegedly waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest have been released. The group, including students and a lecturer from the University of Warsaw, was detained by the DSS on August 5, raising concerns over their safety and intentions.

Seven Polish nationals, including six students and their lecturer from the University of Warsaw, have been released after being detained in Nigeria for allegedly waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano. The group was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on August 5, alongside others who were reportedly sewing Russian flags for the demonstration.

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrzej Szejna, indicated skepticism regarding the claims, stating it was unlikely that the Polish nationals would intentionally wave Russian flags in Nigeria, given their academic focus on African studies at Bayero University. On August 28, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release through a post on social media, thanking those involved in securing their freedom.

The protests began on August 1, primarily fueled by frustrations over rising living costs. While demonstrations in southern Nigeria remained largely peaceful, those in the north saw incidents of violence, with some protesters displaying Russian flags and calling for intervention from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The release of the Polish nationals has been met with relief by their families and the Polish government, who had been advocating for their safe return.