Anambra: Police Raid Polytechnic Hostel, Arrest Students, Injure Others

In a controversial operation, officers from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS), formerly known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), conducted a midnight raid on students’ hostels at the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State, leading to the arrest of several students and injuries to others.

The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night, has drawn sharp criticism from the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS). According to reports, the students were asleep in their lodges when the officers forcibly broke into their rooms, accusing them of theft and detaining them under unclear circumstances.

In a statement issued Thursday by the NAPS Vice President for the South East Zone, the students’ union condemned the actions of the officers and called on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, to address the issue. The statement urged an immediate end to the harassment, intimidation, and unwarranted raids targeting students.

NAPS emphasized that these late-night arrests, often occurring between 11 PM and 2 AM, violate the rights and dignity of the students. The association warned that if the misconduct continues, they would organize a large-scale protest, involving national and international media, to shut down the state.

The statement read in part:

“We strongly condemn the unwarranted arrests and intimidation of our students at the Federal Polytechnic Oko. These raids, which occur at odd hours, are totally unacceptable to the leadership of NAPS South East Zone and must stop immediately.”

NAPS, representing over 20 million students across Nigeria’s polytechnics, monotechnics, and allied institutions, called for respect for the students’ rights and dignity. They demanded an end to the forced entry into hostels and the ongoing harassment.

The association concluded with a warning: “We cannot stand idly by while our students are harassed and intimidated unjustly. If these actions persist, we will be forced to take drastic measures, including protests and media engagements, to ensure our voices are heard.