Operatives of Department of State Security (DSS) in Kano State have arrested seven polish citizens in connection with the use of foreign flags during the hunger protests that turned chaotic in the state.
Newsband reported that hundreds of thousands of angry Nigerian youths have been protesting since August 1 against President Bola Tinubu’s draconian economic reforms that have seen an abrupt end to petrol and electricity subsidies, currency devaluation and inflation touching three-decade highs.
The protests which turned chaotic at least in six Northern states have seen 22 people killed so far.
Dr Peter Afunanya, the spokesman of the State Security Service (DSS) disclosed the arrests during a press briefing of the Diplomatic Corps by Nigeria’s Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, on the ongoing nationwide protests.
The image maker of the secret police stressed that the operation was not targeted specifically at the Polish individuals but was part of broader security measures.
He said, “For the persons we have picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of the foreign flag in Kano that was two days ago and as a responsible security organisation we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases.
“They were picked as a result of security enforcement because of where they were when the incident happened. It is not a targeted operation on behalf of my Director General DSS and Nigeria.”
He reassured that the secret police adheres to democratic principles, human rights, and security protocols, whether dealing with Nigerians or foreigners.
Speaking further, Afunanya urged foreign nations not to allow their territories to be used as bases for activities that could threaten domestic peace and stability in Nigeria.
He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in maintaining global security and peace, particularly given Nigeria’s large population and the potential ripple effects of any instability within its borders.