The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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 handle 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 over suspected internet fraud.
According to the EFCC, 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 added that preliminary profiling indicated that the six students were actively involved in internet fraud, while eight vehicles suspected of being proceeds of crime, alongside mobile phones and laptops, were recovered.
The agency, however, dismissed claims linking its operation to 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 EFCC reiterated 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.
Our correspondent had reported 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 said confusion broke out as students ran in different directions, with some alleging that an officer was seen chasing a student, further heightening fears.
Some aggrieved students subsequently staged a protest, burning tyres along sections of Old Jebba Road leading to the institution.
Security was later reinforced, with a police van from the Oke-Oyi Division stationed at the main gate to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Reacting, the management of the polytechnic said calm had been restored, describing the protest as brief and limited.
“The incident originated from reports of security operatives conducting official duties in the nearby Agbede community, an action which reportedly caused concern among some students. It is important to note that no students were arrested during the operation,” the management said.
It added that only a small number of students participated in the protest and commended the swift intervention of security agencies.
