VIDEO: Bauchi Police Arrest 3 in Polytechnic Hostel Robbery, Dozens Detained After Student Protest

As early as 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, students of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi took to the streets to protest rising insecurity within the polytechnic community.

According to the Bauchi State Police Command, the unrest followed a robbery incident that occurred at about 4:54 a.m., when unidentified hoodlums allegedly scaled the school fence and attacked student hostels, carting away mobile phones and laptops. Several students sustained injuries while attempting to confront the attackers.

Responding to a distress call from the institution’s Chief Security Officer, officers from E’ Division arrived at the scene, evacuated the injured to the polytechnic clinic, and engaged with students over complaints of inadequate security and poor welfare conditions.

The situation escalated when protesting students blocked the Bauchi/Tafawa Balewa–Dass Highway, set tyres ablaze, threw stones at motorists, and reportedly looted nearby shops. Police said reinforcement teams dispersed the crowd using what they described as “minimal force,” arresting 36 male and 12 female students. The female students were later released.

A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of three men — Mansur Yakubu (20), Abbas Auwal (20), and Musa Bala (20) — all residents of the Lushi area in Bauchi metropolis. Police allege the suspects conspired with others from Birshi Gandu and Birshin Fulani, including a suspected mastermind identified only as “Daddy.”

Police spokesperson CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil disclosed that one suspect, Musa Bala, is an ex-convict who served two years for a similar offence and was released three months ago. He reportedly confessed to gathering with the group in Birshin Fulani before carrying out the attack.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a discreet investigation into both the robbery and the student unrest. He directed that male students not involved in the violence be released on bail, while those linked to criminal acts will face prosecution.

The school management has since announced the indefinite closure of the institution. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) president has appealed for calm, while the police command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public order and warned against unlawful protests or gatherings that could disrupt peace in the state.