- DSS arrested seven Polish individuals in Kano, said they are under investigation
- The arrested individuals were caught displaying the Russian flag during the #Endbadgovernance protests
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, warns foreign countries against meddling in the country’s domestic affairs
The Department of State Service (DSS) has begun investigating seven Polish nationals who were arrested for displaying the Russian flag in Kano during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance protests.
Peter Afunanya, the DSS Spokesperson, disclosed this information on Wednesday, August 7, during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tugar, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The DSS representative said those arrested are currently under investigation, adding that the arrest was not specifically aimed at Polish nationals.
Arrested individuals displayed foreign flag
He stated, “For the persons that we have picked up from Kano, it was because of where they were found during the protest and display of the foreign flag in Kano that was two days ago,”
“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,”
We obey all protocols whether Nigerians or foreigners
“As the foremost domestic security organisation, we believe we have to work in sync with all of you who are men of goodwill, and our operations must be governed by democratic principles and protocol that emphasise freedom and human rights and, of course, intelligence and security governance,”
“We obey all of this whether we are dealing with Nigerians or foreigners,” the DSS Spokesperson stated.
The meeting was also attended by 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.
Tuggar warns foreigners from meddling with internal affairs
Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, warns foreign countries against meddling in the country’s domestic affairs, however, emphasised the importance of cordial international relationships.
The Minister urged the international community to maintain their collaboration in supporting Nigeria's efforts to overcome its present difficulties and secure a better future for its people.
He said, “While the government continues to work hard through the various reform programmes and measures to address challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind us that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. Nigeria is not an exception,”
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships,”
“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerians at home and abroad.’’
Hunger protests: Kano Government arrests 632 protesters, including Spanish nationals
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that three mobile courts in Kano state ruled that 632 protesters be held in custody for suspected vandalism of public and government property amid the nationwide hunger protests.
According to the report, six Spanish nationals linked to the protests were also arrested, including a tailor responsible for making Russian flags, and 76 others.