The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said its recent operation in Ilorin, Kwara State, was not responsible for the protest by students of Kwara State Polytechnic.
According to a statement on its X on Thursday, the agency said its operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate had carried out a sting operation on Wednesday at two buildings in the Agbede community for suspected internet fraud.
According to the commission, the operation led to the arrest of 30 suspected internet fraudsters, including six students of the polytechnic.
“The operation, carried out on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, yielded the arrest of 30 suspected internet fraudsters, six of whom are students of Kwara State Polytechnic,” the commission said.
It stated that preliminary profiling revealed that the six students were actively engaging in internet fraud, while eight vehicles suspected of being proceeds of crime, as well as mobile phones and laptop computers, were seized.
However, the agency denied any link between its activity and the protest at the institution.
“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,” it stated.
“It is untenable to link any protest by some students of the Polytechnic to the lawful operation of the EFCC. Any video in circulation linking students’ protest with the operation of the Commission is contrived and an outright misrepresentation of the operation.”
The commission stressed its commitment to professionalism and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
“The EFCC, for the umpteenth time, assures the public of the professionalism and integrity of its operations. All the channels of reporting unethical conduct of staff of the Commission remain open. The Commission will continue to work in the overall interests of Nigerians,” it added.
Chronicle NG reports that tension gripped the polytechnic on Wednesday following reports of EFCC operatives patrolling areas around the school during ongoing examinations, which sparked panic among students.
Eyewitnesses reported that pandemonium broke out as students fled in separate directions, with some reporting that a cop was spotted chasing a student, raising anxieties.
Some dissatisfied students then launched a demonstration by burning tires along stretches of Old Jebba Road going to the university.
Security was later reinforced, with a police vehicle from the Oke-Oyi Division stationed at the front gate to prevent a breakdown in order.
The polytechnic’s management responded by stating that calm had been restored, describing the demonstration as quick and restricted.
“The incident originated from reports of security operatives conducting official duties in the nearby Agbede community, an action that reportedly caused concern among some students. It is important to note that no students were arrested during the operation,” the management said.
It went on to say that only a few students took part in the protest and praised security personnel for their quick response.
