Panic at Kwara Poly as Armed EFCC Operatives Storm Campus, Chase Students
There was widespread panic and chaos at Kwara State Polytechnic on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly stormed the institution with firearms, chasing students across the campus and sparking intense fear among the academic community. The incident caused serious disruption to academic activities, with many students fleeing lecture halls and hostels to avoid being caught in the sudden raid.
Students Describe Terrifying Scenes
Students who witnessed the event recounted harrowing experiences to journalists. "We just saw them entering with guns and running after students. Everybody started running. Some people even fell while trying to escape," one student said, highlighting the immediate panic that ensued. Another student described the situation as chaotic, noting that many innocent students feared being wrongly arrested. "It was very scary. They didn't even explain anything. People were just running for their lives because nobody wanted to be picked up mistakenly," the student added, emphasizing the lack of communication from the operatives.
Arrests and Phone Seizures Reported
According to multiple accounts from witnesses, the EFCC operatives allegedly seized mobile phones and arrested some individuals suspected of internet fraud within the campus and in nearby off-campus hostels, particularly around the Eleko area. "They were checking phones and picking some guys. Even in Eleko, they entered hostels and took some students away," another witness claimed, indicating that the operation extended beyond the main campus grounds. A video obtained by sources reportedly captured the moment armed operatives chased a student across the school premises, further fueling tension and outrage among the student body. "You can see them in the video running after a student with guns. It looked like a movie, but it was real. We were all terrified," a student remarked, underscoring the dramatic nature of the event.
EFCC Yet to Issue Statement
As of the time of reporting, the EFCC has not released an official statement regarding the operation, including details on the number of arrests made or the specific basis for the raid. This lack of information has left many questions unanswered and contributed to the anxiety on campus. The incident has since raised significant concerns among students and observers about the methods used in anti-fraud crackdowns and the potential risk of indiscriminate arrests during such operations. Critics argue that such tactics could undermine trust in law enforcement and disrupt the educational environment, calling for greater transparency and adherence to due process in future interventions.
