According to the University of Warsaw, the group of seven from Poland left their accommodation during the night, which was deemed by local police as a breach of local laws and safety regulations.
The detained individuals are students of African Studies at the University of Warsaw. They had traveled to Nigeria at the beginning of August for a language course organized by the university and were scheduled to return to Poland in early September.
The University of Warsaw’s press office stated that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the Polish consul on site, to secure the release of those detained. The Oriental Studies faculty, where the students are enrolled, is also involved in the support efforts.
„The students are safe and currently staying in Abuja”, the Rector of the University of Warsaw was assured by the Chancellor of Bayero University in Kano.
Polish students detained in Nigeria. University and authorities work for release
The university is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both Polish and international consular services, and various other organizations, while also maintaining communication with the students' families.
"Ensuring the release of the six African studies students and their lecturer held in Nigeria is my highest priority. For the past two days, I have been almost entirely focused on resolving this matter," stated UW Rector Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak.
"A large number of people are working on this, and I am confident that these efforts are moving us closer to a positive outcome," he added in an official statement.
The university is unable to disclose all details about the steps taken and ongoing efforts to avoid impeding the work of the involved services. The primary concern is the safety of the detained individuals, which guides both the actions taken and the extent of information shared.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the Abuja office (in the capital city of Nigeria) has been informed about the arrest of the Polish students and lecturer in Kano.
"The consular service is working with local authorities to determine the exact circumstances of the incident in order to assist our citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the families of those detained," it was announced via social media.
Protest against the cost of living in Nigeria, 02 August 2024. Nigerians responded to online calls to mobilize against economic hardship, insecurity, poor infrastructure and environmental degradation (Emmanuel Adegboye, PAP/EPA)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Thursday that, following the detention of a group of Polish students and their lecturer in Kano, northern Nigeria, the consular service is working with local authorities to clarify the circumstances of the incident.
The consul on-site is actively engaged in discussions with Nigerian officials to resolve the matter. Both the consul and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are maintaining constant contact with the students' families and their university.
The Chargé d'Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Warsaw has been invited to collaborate on efforts to secure the release of the Polish students and clarify the situation.
Nigeria protests turn violent. Caution advised
In early August, protests and riots erupted throughout Nigeria, becoming increasingly violent, particularly in the northern regions of Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Yobe states, as well as in the Abuja metropolitan area and Imo state.
Polish authorities are concerned that terrorists might exploit the current chaos, as previously observed in Maiduguri/Borno. "The listed areas are not the only risky ones, so we advise maintaining general caution, avoiding gatherings, and limiting movement in public spaces," an official government statement noted.
Source: IAR/PAP/RMFFM/UW/MSZ
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