Tension briefly gripped parts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Wednesday following a reported operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), even as the anti-graft agency denied any connection to a protest that erupted near Kwara State Polytechnic.
Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC had carried out a sting operation at two buildings in the Agbede community, suspected to be hubs for internet-related fraud. The operation, conducted on March 24, 2026, led to the arrest of 30 suspected internet fraudsters.
According to the EFCC, six of those arrested are students of Kwara State Polytechnic, with preliminary profiling indicating their active involvement in internet fraud. The agency also recovered eight vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime, as well as mobile phones and laptops from the suspects.
However, the operation triggered panic within and around the Polytechnic community, particularly as it coincided with ongoing examinations. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the presence of EFCC operatives sparked fear among students, leading to a brief protest.
During the protest, some students reportedly burned tyres along sections of Old Jebba Road, causing temporary disruption before security operatives intervened to restore order.
Reacting to the development, the EFCC maintained that its operation was not connected to the institution. The agency stressed that no operatives entered the Polytechnic परिसर and that there was no disruption of academic activities.
“The sting operation was not remotely connected to the Polytechnic. No entrance was made into the premises of the institution, and there was no disruption of any activity of the school,” the Commission stated.
The EFCC further described as “contrived and outright misrepresentation” any video or claim linking the students’ protest directly to its operation.
Similarly, the management of Kwara State Polytechnic confirmed that calm had been restored, clarifying that the operation took place in nearby Agbede community and not within the campus.
The institution also stated that no student was arrested on campus and that examinations continued as scheduled without interruption.
Reaffirming its stance, the EFCC assured the public of the professionalism and integrity of its operations, adding that channels remain open for reporting any misconduct by its personnel.
The agency reiterated its commitment to carrying out its mandate in the overall interest of Nigerians.
