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EFCC Distances Itself from Kwara Poly Unrest, Says Operation Occurred Off-Campus

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 26th, 2026.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected claims linking it to the recent protest by students of Kwara State Polytechnic, insisting that its enforcement activities did not take place within the institution or disrupt academic proceedings.

In a statement released on Thursday via its official X platform, the anti-graft agency clarified that reports suggesting its operatives stormed the campus during examinations were inaccurate. The clarification followed unrest among students, some of whom staged protests and reportedly blocked sections of Old Jebba Road, as noted by Daily Trust in its coverage of the incident.

According to the commission, the operation in question was carried out by its Ilorin Zonal Directorate in Agbede Community, a location separate from the polytechnic. The agency explained that the exercise targeted specific buildings suspected to be hubs for internet fraud activities.

The EFCC disclosed that the raid, conducted on March 24, resulted in the arrest of 30 individuals, including six students of the institution. Preliminary profiling, the commission said, indicated that the affected students were allegedly involved in cyber-related offences.

During the operation, authorities also recovered several items believed to be proceeds of illicit activities, including eight vehicles, mobile phones, and laptop computers.

Despite the arrests, the agency maintained that there was no direct connection between its actions and the protest that followed. It emphasised that its operatives neither entered the school premises nor interfered with examinations or other academic engagements.

The commission further dismissed viral videos circulating online as misleading, describing them as a misrepresentation of events. Punch Online also reported the EFCC’s denial, highlighting the agency’s insistence that its activities were lawful and conducted within its operational mandate.

Reiterating its commitment to due process, the EFCC assured the public that its operations are guided by professionalism and accountability. It also encouraged citizens to make use of official channels to report any misconduct by its personnel.

The development continues to draw attention as authorities seek to separate law enforcement actions from campus-related tensions, while students and stakeholders call for clearer communication during such operations.