On Friday night, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) carried out a midnight raid on private hostels near Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), leading to the arrest of several students.
Eyewitnesses reported that the EFCC targeted the Kwakwalawa and Gidan Yaro areas in Sokoto, apprehending numerous students during the operation. According to students, the raid occurred at around 4 a.m., with EFCC officers allegedly arresting individuals indiscriminately.
“It was like something out of a movie,” one student, who requested anonymity, recounted. “At first, we thought they were kidnappers, but then we noticed the EFCC logo on their vests.”
Many students expressed frustration, claiming that the operatives neither explained the reason for the arrests nor produced any warrants.
“This is unacceptable,” said another student. “We demand answers from the EFCC. Why did they arrest our colleagues without any explanation?”
The incident mirrors a similar EFCC raid that took place in February at hostels near the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). In that case, students alleged that the raid led to property damage, assaults, and brutality, including against female students.
The EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the purpose of the raid or the reasons behind the arrests.
