Polish diplomats are actively working to secure the release of seven Polish citizens detained in Nigeria.
The detainees include six students and one lecturer from Warsaw University, who were participating in a Hausa language study program organized by the university's African studies department.
They were arrested earlier this week in Kano, a state in northern Nigeria, during ongoing protests.
The detentions occurred amidst widespread demonstrations in Nigeria, driven by severe inflation and hunger crises.
Nigerian authorities allege that the Polish group was involved in the protests, reportedly carrying Russian flags—a claim that Polish officials find dubious.
Deputy Foreign Minister Jakub Wisniewski has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts, meeting with Nigeria’s chargé d’affaires and the families of the detained individuals.
He emphasized that the students' actions might stem from a lack of understanding of local customs and laws.
Wisniewski reassured that the students and lecturer are in good health and currently staying in a hotel in a reputable district of Abuja, Nigeria's capital.
No formal charges have been filed against them, and investigations are ongoing. The Polish consul in Abuja has also met with the detainees to assess their condition and legal status.
Poland's Foreign Ministry is optimistic about resolving the situation, viewing it as a misunderstanding.
The ministry continues to appeal for the swift return of the students and lecturer to Poland, where their families await them.
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