The Department of State Services (DSS) is investigating the involvement of seven Polish nationals in the recent nationwide protests in Kano State, sparked by widespread discontent over hunger and poor governance.
The arrests occurred on Tuesday, August 13, and were confirmed by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya on Wednesday.
Afunanya clarified that the arrests were part of routine security measures rather than a targeted action against Polish citizens.
READ ALSO: Kano Police transfer 76 suspects, including foreign national to Abuja
He emphasized that the DSS’s operations are consistent with democratic principles and human rights standards. “Seven persons were picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of foreign flag in Kano two days ago,” he explained.
The DSS spokesperson stated that the arrests were not intended to single out Polish individuals but to verify the circumstances surrounding their presence at the protest.
“As a responsible security organisation, we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases,” Afunanya said.
He also called for international cooperation to maintain global stability, urging countries to prevent their citizens from being used to destabilize other nations.
“Our operations must be governed by democratic principles and protocol that emphasise freedom and human rights,” he added. “We plead that you do not offer your country to some person who may be deviant or have a terrorist inclination in today’s global pursuit.”
The nationwide protests began on Thursday, August 1, in response to the severe economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
