The Department of State Services (DSS) is investigating the alleged involvement of seven Polish nationals in the ongoing nationwide protests against hunger and hardship.
The detainees were arrested on Tuesday in Kano State, where they were reportedly found during the protests.
The nationwide demonstrations, which began on August 1, 2024, have been a response to the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
The DSS confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, clarifying that the action was part of routine security enforcement rather than a targeted operation against Polish citizens.
DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya provided details during a briefing with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja.
He explained that the detainees were identified due to their presence and the display of foreign flags during the protests in Kano.
“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,” Afunanya said.
Afunanya emphasized that the DSS’s actions were in accordance with democratic principles and human rights.
“As a responsible security organization, we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases. It is not a targeted operation on behalf of the Director-General of DSS and Nigeria,” he added.
He also called for international cooperation to prevent foreign nationals from being used to undermine domestic peace.
“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,” Afunanya urged, stressing the interconnected nature of global stability.
The DSS spokesperson reassured that the agency’s operations adhere to democratic standards and respect for human rights.
He concluded, “Our operations must be governed by democratic principles and protocol that emphasize freedom and human rights, and of course intelligence and security governance. We obey all of these whether we are dealing with Nigerians or foreigners.”