Tear gas, tension at EFCC as El-Rufai supporters clash with security

Tension escalated on Monday at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja as supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, gathered in large numbers and clashed with security personnel stationed at the premises.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation became heated when protesters attempted to move closer to the entrance of the anti-graft agency. Security operatives responded by firing tear gas canisters into the air to disperse the crowd and restore order. The smoke caused panic in the area as protesters and onlookers ran in different directions for safety.

In a video seen by our correspondent, several voices were heard chanting and insisting that they would not be discouraged. “We will come back; when it clears, we will come back,” some of the protesters shouted, expressing determination to continue their demonstration despite the disruption.

El-Rufai had earlier arrived at the EFCC headquarters accompanied by hundreds of loyalists and political associates. His appearance at the commission followed reports of an alleged attempt to arrest him last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The reported incident at the airport had already generated public debate and heightened political tension.

As of the time of filing this report, security presence around the EFCC complex remained heavy, with armed operatives monitoring movements in and out of the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.