Polish Students Released from Nigerian Detainment Amidst Protests

A group of Polish students detained in Nigeria have been released. They were initially accused of raising Russian flags during anti-government protests in Kano, a claim denied by the Polish foreign ministry. The protests in Nigeria reflect deep discontent over economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu.

A group of Polish students who were arrested in Nigeria have been released, the foreign ministry in Warsaw announced on Wednesday. Earlier this month, Nigeria reported the arrest of seven Polish nationals for allegedly raising Russian flags during anti-government protests in Kano.

In a statement following the arrest, a spokesperson for the Polish foreign ministry dismissed the allegations, asserting that the students were merely present near the protest area. 'The Polish students have been released and are in Kano,' read a social media post by the Polish foreign ministry. 'Thank you to everyone involved in securing their release!'

The arrests took place against the backdrop of widespread protests in Nigeria since August 1. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have demonstrated against President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, which include the reduction of fuel and electricity subsidies, currency devaluation, and inflation reaching its highest levels in three decades. Some demonstrators in northern states displayed Russian flags, fueling concerns over Russia's increasing influence in West Africa.

(With inputs from agencies.)