EFCC Denies Role in Kwara Polytechnic Student Protest Following Anti-Fraud Operation
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly refuted any connection between its recent anti-fraud operation in Ilorin, Kwara State, and the subsequent protest by students of the Kwara State Polytechnic. The agency clarified that its operatives were conducting a targeted sting operation in the Agbede community, a location distinct from the polytechnic’s premises, and that the protest was unrelated to their lawful duties.
Details of the EFCC Operation
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the EFCC detailed its operation. Operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Directorate executed a sting operation on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, targeting two buildings in the Agbede community. The focus of this operation was suspected internet fraud activities.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of 30 individuals believed to be involved in internet fraud. Among those arrested were six students from the Kwara State Polytechnic. The commission emphasized that preliminary profiling confirmed the active involvement of these six students in fraudulent schemes.
During the raid, law enforcement authorities also recovered significant assets suspected to be proceeds of crime. These included eight vehicles, along with numerous mobile phones and laptops. The EFCC highlighted these recoveries as evidence of the scale of the suspected criminal enterprise being targeted.
Addressing Misinformation and Protest Claims
The EFCC was quick to dismiss any claims that its operation instigated or was linked to a protest at the polytechnic. The agency explicitly stated that the sting operation had no connection to the institution itself. It asserted that no entry was made into the polytechnic’s premises, and consequently, no activities within the school were disrupted by their actions.
The commission characterized any attempts to link the student protest to their legitimate operation as “untenable” and an “outright misrepresentation.” They further stated that any circulating videos purporting to connect the student protest with the EFCC’s operation were “contrived.”
Commitment to Professionalism
Reiterating its core values, the EFCC assured the public of its unwavering commitment to professionalism and integrity in all its operations. The agency emphasized that all established channels for reporting any unethical conduct by its staff remain open. The EFCC pledged to continue its work in safeguarding the interests of Nigerians.
The Polytechnic’s Perspective and Student Reaction
The situation at the Kwara State Polytechnic had reportedly escalated on Wednesday, creating an atmosphere of tension. Reports circulating indicated that the presence of EFCC operatives in areas surrounding the school during ongoing examinations had caused panic among students.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of confusion, with students reportedly fleeing in various directions. Some students alleged that they witnessed an officer pursuing a student, which further fueled anxieties and fears.
In response to these developments, some aggrieved students took to the streets, staging a protest. They reportedly burned tyres along sections of the Old Jebba Road, a route leading to the institution. The demonstration caused significant disruption and concern.
Security forces were subsequently deployed to the area to restore order. A police van from the Oke-Oyi Division was stationed at the main gate of the polytechnic to prevent any escalation and maintain law and order.
The management of the Kwara State Polytechnic addressed the incident, confirming that calm had been restored. They described the protest as brief and contained. The management acknowledged that the unrest originated from reports of security operatives conducting official duties in the nearby Agbede community, which reportedly caused concern among some students. Crucially, the polytechnic management also stated that no students were arrested during the EFCC’s operation. They noted that only a small number of students participated in the protest and commended the swift response of the security agencies in de-escalating the situation.
