Some operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have allegedly brutalised and stolen valuables from students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in Plateau State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9 pm on Saturday at Anguwar Alhaji, Farin Gada, an off-campus residence for UNIJOS students.
Eyewitnesses stated that the armed officers aggressively banged on the students’ doors without providing any explanation for their presence.
One of the students, speaking in a video obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday, said that when the occupants demanded the officers’ identity and reason for the intrusion, the officers responded with force, launching tear gas into the apartment.
Overwhelmed by the suffocating fumes, the terrified students were forced to open the door, only to be met with brutal beatings before being dragged away.
To make matters worse, the operatives allegedly stole valuables, including laptops and money, and left the apartment ransacked.
The students were later taken into custody at Division C of the Civil Defence, while their residence was left in shambles, with significant damage to the ceiling and other property.
One of the victims recounted the traumatic experience: “I was fast asleep when I suddenly heard loud banging on the door. They were banging it forcefully and without restraint.
“I got up and opened the door, but to my shock, they entered through the window instead. Confused, I asked one of the men, ‘What happened? What is it? What do you want? Why are you here?’ He simply responded, ‘Open the door.’
“As I kept questioning him— ‘Why should I open the door? What do you want?’—they suddenly sprayed tear gas directly into my face. I couldn’t breathe or do anything. Overcome, I lay down on the bed.
“Before I knew it, they broke through the main door and stormed inside. That was enough to overwhelm me completely.”
SaharaReporters gathered that after brutalising the students, the NSCDC officers arrested some of them. However, those arrested were later released and instructed to report at the NSCDC office on Sunday morning.
The officers also allegedly seized the students’ laptops, cash, and power banks.
Efforts by SaharaReporters to obtain comments from the NSCDC were unsuccessful.