Department of State Service (DSS) has said the seven Polish nationals arrested in connection to the violent nationwide protest against hunger and hardship in Kano State were waving foreign flags and are currently under investigation.
This was revealed by a representative of the DSS and the organisation’s spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, when the minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tugar, held a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps yesterday.
While responding to questions, Afunanya said they were picked up due to their display of foreign flags in the North-West Region.
According to him, those picked up are being investigated and assured that their arrest was not a targeted attempt on Polish nationals.
Recall that the DSS had earlier vowed to name sponsors of foreign-flag-flying protesters to promote insurrection in the country.
While highlighting the federal government’s effort to enhance socioeconomic development, the minister of foreign affairs said it has resulted in the cut down on debt servicing from 90 per cent to 68 per cent, as well as other interventions to ensure food security and create jobs and investments.
Ambassador Tuggar stated that in the past few days, they have seen bad narratives on social media that are currently threatening the peace and stability of the nation.
He, however, assured that the federal government remained committed to protecting members of the diplomatic corps and Nigerians in line with international laws.
He warned that the government would not spare anyone found guilty of funding the protest from within and outside the country’s shores.
Also in attendance at the meeting were the minister of information, Mohammed Idris, a representative of the national security adviser, the inspector general of police and the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The meeting was held due to the nationwide protest across the country, which commenced on August 1, 2024.
