Students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, have accused operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of brutalising them, looting their valuables, and carrying out unlawful arrests in a shocking display of alleged abuse of power.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. on Saturday at Anguwar Alhaji, Farin Gada, an off-campus residence for UNIJOS students. Witnesses say the armed NSCDC officers arrived unannounced and began aggressively pounding on students’ doors without offering any justification for their presence.
According to eyewitnesses, the students, caught off guard, demanded to know why the officers had stormed their residence. However, instead of an explanation, the operatives allegedly responded with brute force—firing tear gas into the apartment to force the occupants out.
One of the victims, who captured the ordeal in a video obtained by SaharaReporters, narrated the horrifying moment:
“I was fast asleep when I heard loud, forceful banging on the door. I got up to check, but before I could even react, they entered through the window. Shocked, I asked them, ‘What happened? What do you want?’ But they only demanded that I open the door.”
“As I kept asking why they were there, they suddenly sprayed tear gas into my face. I couldn’t breathe, I was completely overwhelmed. Before I knew it, they broke down the main door and stormed inside, attacking us mercilessly.”
Overpowered by the suffocating fumes and physical assault, the students were dragged out of their rooms and allegedly beaten before being forcefully taken into custody.
Beyond the violence, the operatives reportedly ransacked the students’ apartment, carting away valuables, including laptops, cash, and power banks. The residence was left in ruins, with damaged ceilings and overturned furniture.
Following the brutal raid, the students were detained at Division C of the NSCDC but were later released on the condition that they report to the NSCDC office on Sunday morning.
As outrage grows over the incident, efforts by SaharaReporters to obtain an official statement from the NSCDC have so far been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, students and activists are calling for justice, demanding that those responsible be held accountable for the alleged abuse of power and violation of human rights.
This latest episode of security forces allegedly harassing and brutalising civilians has sparked fresh concerns over the unchecked impunity of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. Many are now urging the government to take swift action to ensure that those sworn to protect the people do not become their oppressors.
PIONEER NEWS 