DSS arrests six Polish nationals in connection with #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano

The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained six Polish nationals in Kano State for their alleged involvement in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.

Abdullahi Haru, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests to SaharaReporters on Tuesday. In addition to the Polish nationals, the state police command has also apprehended 76 individuals.

Among those detained is a tailor from Niger Republic, accused of producing ‘Russian flags’ that have been used by protesters in the state.

The authorities are investigating the roles of these individuals in the protests and the implications of foreign involvement in the demonstrations.

He told News360 Nigeria, “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.”

“We saw in the reports that the tailor was arrested by the DSS but it was actually the police that arrested the tailor with 75 others,” the police spokesperson added.

According to Haru, the six Polish nationals were arrested for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests on Saturday and Sunday, the third and fourth days of the nationwide demonstrations.

The arrests came after some protesters were spotted waving Russian flags and calling for Russian intervention in Nigeria, prompting security forces to heighten their operations and detain foreign suspects.

Amid the escalating situation, Governor Abba Yusuf convened an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies, including the state police commissioner Salman Dogo on Tuesday.

“The police and other security agencies will clamp down on anyone attempting to tamper with the state’s security,” said Dogo, addressing journalists after a meeting.

Following the meeting, the governor announced a further relaxation of the existing curfew, which will now be in effect from 6 am to 6 pm.

“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.