The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has distanced itself from the recent protest by students of Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin, insisting its operation in the area had no connection to the unrest.
In a statement shared on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, the agency explained that operatives from its Ilorin Zonal Directorate carried out a sting operation on Wednesday in the Agbede community, targeting suspected internet fraud activities.
The commission disclosed that the raid led to the arrest of 30 suspected fraudsters, including six students of the polytechnic. It added that preliminary investigations showed the students were actively involved in cybercrime, while items recovered included eight vehicles believed to be proceeds of crime, as well as mobile phones and laptops.
The EFCC, however, rejected claims that its operation triggered the student protest. It clarified that its officials did not enter the institution or disrupt any academic activities.
“The operation was not connected to the Polytechnic in any way. No part of the school was accessed, and there was no interference with its activities,” the statement noted, describing circulating videos linking the protest to the raid as misleading.
Reaffirming its stance, the anti-graft agency stressed its commitment to professionalism and transparency, urging the public to report any misconduct through its official channels.
Earlier reports had indicated that tension gripped the institution during ongoing examinations following sightings of EFCC operatives around the area. The situation reportedly caused panic among students, with some claiming an officer chased a student, leading to confusion on campus.
The unrest later escalated into a protest, with some students burning tyres along parts of Old Jebba Road.
Security operatives were subsequently deployed to restore order, while the polytechnic management confirmed that calm had returned. The school authorities described the protest as brief and limited, noting that no students were arrested during the operation and commending the swift response of security agencies.
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