Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims linking its recent operation in Ilorin, Kwara State, to protests by students of Kwara State Polytechnic, describing such reports as misleading and a misrepresentation of facts.
Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC carried out a sting operation in Agbede Community, Ilorin, targeting two buildings suspected to be hubs for internet-related fraud.
The operation, which took place on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, led to the arrest of 30 suspected internet fraudsters, including six students of Kwara State Polytechnic.
According to the Commission, profiling conducted after the arrests confirmed that the six students were actively involved in internet fraud.
The anti-graft agency also disclosed that eight vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime were recovered during the operation, alongside several mobile phones and laptops believed to be used in carrying out fraudulent activities.
The EFCC, however, stressed that the operation had no connection whatsoever with Kwara State Polytechnic or its activities.
“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,” the Commission stated.
The agency further dismissed attempts to link the protest by some students to the operation, describing such claims as unfounded.
“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 outright misrepresentation of the operation,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Commission assured members of the public that its operations are guided by integrity and due process.
“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.”
The Commission also reiterated its resolve to sustain its crackdown on internet fraud and other financial crimes across the country.
Normalcy restored at Kwara State Polytechnic after protest
The Management of Kwara State Polytechnic has said peaceful academic environment has been fully restored on campus and its immediate surroundings following a brief protest by a few students earlier Wednesday.
The management in a statement said the incident originated from reports of security operatives conducting official duties in the nearby Agbede village, an action which reportedly caused concern among some students of the institution.
“it is important to note that no arrests of students were made during the security operation”, it said.
It added that: “Early this morning, a small number of students expressed their displeasure by burning tyres along a section of the Old Jebba Road.
“The swift and professional intervention of combined security agencies and the Polytechnic’s own security personnel ensured the situation was contained promptly and without escalation.
“Management hereby assures the public that normalcy has been completely restored as students scheduled for morning examinations have been checked in by their invigilators and exams are ongoing as planned.
“The Management commends the security agencies and our internal security team for their rapid response and professionalism in handling the situation.
“We also appreciate the overwhelming majority of our students who remained calm and law-abiding.
“We urge the general public, especially commuters plying the Old Jebba Road, to go about their normal businesses without any fear or panic. The road is clear and safe for travel.
“The Polytechnic remains committed to the safety, welfare, and academic progress of all its students and staff.
