Sokoto University Raid by EFCC
In a shock twist, students at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) found themselves at the mercy of EFCC operatives, as the anti-graft agency launched a pre-dawn raid on private hostels in Kwakwalawa and Gidan Yaro.
Reports have surfaced, claiming that operatives stormed the hostels around 4am on Saturday morning, indiscriminately arresting multiple students without explanation.
While the rationale behind the raid remains unclear, eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of students suddenly awoken to a scene of pandemonium, as officials barged into rooms and began making arrests.
One student, still reeling from the incident, shared, “We were woken up by loud noises and before we knew it, EFCC officials were inside our rooms, arresting us.”
The stunning similarity to a previous raid carried out by the EFCC at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has left many students concerned about the agency’s tactics and the potential implications for their safety and well-being.
During the FUTA raid, many students recounted feeling terrorized as officials ransacked their lodgings, treating them with apparent disregard for their rights and dignity.
With the Sokoto raid evoking comparisons to this previous incident, questions now arise over the justification for such aggressive tactics and the level of transparency within the EFCC.
The irony of the raid’s timing—amidst mounting concerns over the security situation in Nigeria—is not lost on many students and citizens alike.
As the country continues to grapple with the pervasive issues of insecurity, the agency’s tactics have been met with widespread criticism and skepticism, with many wondering whether this is the best use of the EFCC’s resources.
While the commission has not yet issued a statement on the matter, this incident is poised to further fuel the debate about the balance between public safety and civil liberties in Nigeria, especially within the context of law enforcement operations.
Beyond the immediate implications for the affected students, the raid also sheds light on the evolving nature of law enforcement in Nigeria.
In recent years, the EFCC has expanded its purview and increased its visibility, but at the same time, it has been marred by controversies, including allegations of abuse of power and arbitrary detention.
The agency’s tactics have drawn comparisons to those of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit disbanded in 2020 following widespread protests against police brutality in Nigeria.
References and Citations:
- Leadership – EFCC raids Usmanu Danfodio varsity hostels, arrested student
- Saharareport – Breaking: Anti-graft agency EFCC conduct midnight raid at private hostels Usmanu Danfodio
- Tribune – 40 students Arrested as EFCC raids UDUs
