BENIN CITY – Tension flared along the busy Airport Road in Benin City this morning as a group of local youths reportedly resisted and chased away operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The confrontation, which was captured in viral video footage, caused a significant disruption to traffic and sent commuters scurrying for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when the anti-graft agency’s operatives attempted to execute what appeared to be a sting operation targeting suspected internet fraudsters in the area. However, the operation met with unexpected and aggressive resistance from a large group of young men who converged on the scene.
The Standoff
In the widely circulated video, the youths are seen shouting at the operatives and blocking their patrol vehicles. The situation quickly escalated from a verbal altercation to a physical standoff, with the group forcing the EFCC team to retreat from the location.
“It was like a movie scene,” said one shop owner along Airport Road. “The boys were many, and they were very angry. They told the EFCC people that they were tired of the constant raids in their neighborhood. The officers had to leave to avoid the situation turning bloody.”
Background of Friction
The incident is the latest in a series of clashes between the EFCC and residents of Benin City. In recent months, the Benin Zonal Command has intensified its crackdown on cybercrime, leading to hundreds of arrests. While the Commission maintains that these operations are intelligence-driven and lawful, local stakeholders—including hotel owners and youth groups—have increasingly complained about what they describe as “indiscriminate raids” and the harassment of innocent citizens.
Just last week, the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum in Edo State raised an alarm over dwindling revenues, blaming frequent EFCC raids for creating a climate of fear among guests and tourists.
Official Response
As at the time of filing this report, the EFCC has not issued an official statement regarding the morning’s confrontation. However, a security source within the state confirmed that reinforcement was not deployed to the scene in an effort to de-escalate the tension and prevent a full-scale riot in the heart of the city.
The Edo State Police Command has reportedly increased patrols around the Airport Road axis to ensure that law and order are maintained following the departure of the anti-graft operatives. No injuries or arrests have been confirmed in connection with the morning’s specific confrontation.
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