Kwara Poly protest not linked to our operation — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied responsibility for the protest by students of Kwara State Polytechnic, following reports of arrests during ongoing examinations.

In a statement on Thursday titled “EFCC Operation Not Responsible for Kwara Poly Protest” and shared on its official X handle, the anti-graft agency said its operatives did not enter the institution or disrupt academic activities.

The clarification followed reports that EFCC operatives were patrolling the school and arresting students, triggering protests by some aggrieved students who reportedly burnt tyres along sections of Old Jebba Road leading to the institution.

According to the commission, its Ilorin Zonal Directorate carried out a targeted operation in a nearby community, not on the polytechnic campus.

“Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, carried out a sting operation within two buildings flagged for suspected internet-related fraud at Agbede Community in Ilorin, Kwara State,” the statement read.

It added that the operation, conducted on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, led to multiple arrests.

“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 profiling of the students showed that all the six students are actively involved in internet fraud,” the EFCC said.

The commission also disclosed that items suspected of being proceeds of crime were recovered during the raid.

“Eight vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime were recovered from the suspects, alongside mobile phones and laptops,” it added.

Dismissing claims that the action took place within the school, the EFCC insisted there was no link between its operation and the student protest.

“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 is untenable to link any protest by some students of the Polytechnic to the lawful operation of the EFCC,” the statement said.

The agency further described circulating videos linking its operation to the protest as misleading.

“Any video in circulation linking students’ protest with the operation of the Commission is contrived and outright misrepresentation of the operation,” it stated.

Reaffirming its stance, the EFCC said it remained committed to professionalism and urged the public to utilise available channels for reporting misconduct.

“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.

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