Nigeria Detains Seven Polish Nationals and Local Tailors for Making Russian Flags Used in Protests

Nigeria has detained several tailors who were allegedly involved in creating Russian flags that were waved during anti-government protests in the northern states, according to the state secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS). This move highlights growing concerns about increased Russian activity and influence in West Africa.

The DSS announced through a post on X (formerly Twitter) that it had also detained several “sponsors” of the tailors, though it did not specify the number of people detained or provide further details about the sponsors. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasised the seriousness of the situation, describing the brandishing of a foreign flag during anti-government protests as a “treasonable offence.” Following security talks with President Bola Tinubu, General Musa stated, “We have identified those sponsoring these activities, and we are going to take serious action against them.”

Also Read: Nigeria’s President Tinubu Calls for Suspension of Protests

Since August 1, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest against President Tinubu’s economic reforms, which have included a partial end to petrol and electricity subsidies, currency devaluation, and inflation reaching a three-decade high. The protests, which have led to a deadly crackdown by security forces, reflect widespread frustration over the rising cost of living and the government’s handling of economic challenges.

In the northern states of Borno, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina, protesters were seen waving hundreds of Russian flags, with some even calling for a military takeover. Lawal Kodo, a 28-year-old protester in Kano, explained, “We are waving the Russian flag because Tinubu’s government is not listening to us. Russian presidents always support African nations’ development, unlike other nations.”

The Russian embassy in Nigeria quickly distanced itself from the protests, issuing a statement late on Monday that read, “The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.”

The protests in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, have raised concerns among Western nations, particularly in light of Russia’s growing security ties with countries in the region, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military leaders have seized power in recent coups.

Security experts suggest that many Nigerian protesters believe the economic hardships they are facing are the result of reforms imposed on President Tinubu by Western institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Mucahid Durmaz, a Senior Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, a global risk intelligence firm, noted, “The Russian flags that appeared during the protests in northern states, and the calls for a military coup, reflect discontent over the government’s policies rather than showcasing support for a Russia-backed military government.”

In a related development, Nigeria has also arrested seven Polish nationals in connection with the protests in Kano. Peter Afunanya, a spokesperson for the DSS, confirmed the arrests but did not provide further details about the detainees. Stanislaw Gulinski, a Polish consul to Nigeria, confirmed that the arrested individuals, including Polish students and a lecturer, were being transferred to Abuja.

The situation underscores the complex dynamics at play in Nigeria’s ongoing protests, as citizens grapple with economic challenges and express their frustration with the current government’s policies. The presence of foreign flags and calls for external intervention have added a layer of geopolitical tension to the domestic unrest, raising questions about the influence of foreign powers in the region.

As the situation develops, the Nigerian government continues to assert its authority, warning against any actions that could be perceived as undermining the nation’s sovereignty. The protests have prompted a strong response from security forces, with at least 22 people reportedly killed and more than 700 arrested during the demonstrations, according to Amnesty International.

President Tinubu, who has been in office since May 2023, addressed the nation on Sunday, urging calm and patience while defending his economic reforms as necessary measures to reverse years of economic mismanagement. However, the unrest shows no signs of abating, and the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens.