The hunger protests that had surged across northern Nigeria since last Thursday seem to be waning following a strong police response against the demonstrators and organizers. Many participants have been detained, and some of the #EndBadGovernance leaders have gone into hiding and turned off their phones.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken custody of seven Polish nationals who were apprehended for displaying Russian flags during the protests in Kano on Tuesday. DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, emphasizing that the detainment was part of standard security measures rather than an effort targeting Polish citizens specifically.

The protests, which had gained traction in cities such as Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, were marked by escalating violence. In some instances, the violence was sparked by the actions of security officials, while in others, it was fueled by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.

Recent media reports and footage revealed that some #EndBadGovernance protesters had been carrying Russian flags. In response, President Bola Tinubu made a national appeal on Sunday, urging the protest organizers to halt their activities due to the violence, loss of life, and property damage associated with the demonstrations.

As a result, the planned nationwide protests between August 1 and 10, 2024, have faltered. On Wednesday, protests did not occur in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Borno. This decline in activity follows the police arrest of 873 protesters and the detention of 30 individuals for waving Russian flags during demonstrations in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Bauchi states.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa has stated that individuals waving Russian flags are being charged with treason and will face prosecution.

During a briefing with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, DSS spokesperson Afunanya clarified that the detainment of the Polish nationals was conducted in accordance with democratic principles and respect for human rights. Afunanya addressed the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, explaining that the seven individuals were detained in Kano due to their involvement in the protest and the display of foreign flags.