JUST IN: DSS Reportedly Arrests 6 Polish Nationals, One Nigerien Over Alleged Involvement in #EndBadGovernance Protests

Nigerian authorities have detained six Polish nationals and one Nigerien individual in connection with the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests sweeping the nation. The arrests were confirmed by Abdullahi Haru, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement to SaharaReporters on Tuesday.

The Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended the Polish nationals in Kano State for their alleged participation in the protests. Additionally, the Kano State police command detained 76 individuals, including a tailor from Niger Republic accused of manufacturing ‘Russian flags’ used by the protesters.

Haru clarified the nature of the arrests, stating, “The DSS arrested six Polish nationals for their involvement in the protest. It is not the police that arrested the foreigners. It is the DSS. But the police also arrested 76 people. One of the 76 people is from Niger Republic. He is the tailor that was arrested for allegedly making foreign flags for protesters.”

The six Polish nationals were reportedly detained after participating in the protests over the weekend. This follows sightings of protesters waving Russian flags and calling for Russian intervention in Nigeria, which heightened security concerns and led to the detention of foreign suspects.

In response to the escalating situation, Governor Abba Yusuf convened an emergency meeting with security officials, including the state police commissioner, Salman Dogo, on Tuesday. Following the meeting, Dogo emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining security in the state, stating, “The police and other security agencies will clamp down on anyone attempting to tamper with the state’s security.”

Governor Yusuf announced a relaxation of the existing curfew, now set from 6 am to 6 pm, to ease the burden on residents while assuring that security forces remain vigilant.

“We are committed to ensuring the security of Kano State and the well-being of our citizens. The relaxation of the curfew is aimed at easing the burden on our people while we continue to monitor the situation closely,” Governor Yusuf said.

Despite the curfew relaxation, the governor assured residents that security forces remain on high alert to prevent any disturbances.