AKURE, Ondo State — Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, were reportedly thrown into panic following an operation by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) near the Federal College of Education, Akure (FECA).


Videos circulating from the scene showed EFCC officers carrying out an operation opposite the college, while reports of sporadic shooting and alleged rough handling of some individuals generated concern among residents and students.


An eyewitness, Olúyẹmí Fásípè, reportedly described the incident as involving what he considered brutality against students, describing the approach as unprofessional and potentially dangerous to innocent people in the area.


Other witnesses reportedly likened the situation to a robbery operation, particularly because it occurred during the morning rush hour and involved the presence of armed operatives.


The EFCC is known to conduct operations targeting financial crimes, including alleged internet fraud, in Akure and other parts of the country. However, at the time of the report, there was no official statement from the commission specifically addressing the incident.


The development has prompted concerns among residents over the manner in which security operations are conducted in busy public areas, with calls for authorities to adopt methods that minimise risks to students, commuters and other members of the public.


The circumstances surrounding the operation, including the reported shooting and allegations of rough handling, could not be independently verified from the information available in the report.