Security operatives at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus have faced heavy backlash after a viral video surfaced showing a student being physically assaulted during an enforcement exercise linked to the use of a restricted campus route.
The widely circulated clip on social media showed the student, said to be a law undergraduate, being chased, apprehended, and forcefully restrained close to the campus gate by security personnel.
In the footage, the visibly shaken student could be heard repeatedly asking what his offence was, while some of the operatives labelled him a “criminal” as they dragged him toward a security post.
The situation escalated as he was beaten by more than three security men, with onlookers reportedly unable to intervene.
Initial reports suggest the student had used a pathway that had been marked as restricted by the university authorities. Security operatives allegedly moved to arrest him for trespassing and for not properly identifying himself.
Some sources further claimed that the student attempted to flee after an unidentified person allegedly threatened him with a stone-like object, leading to a chase before he was eventually overpowered and restrained.
A campus-based platform, UNN Chronicles, later reported that the matter was eventually resolved after the student submitted a formal apology letter. He has since been released from custody.
Despite that resolution, the manner of the arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with many condemning the conduct of the security personnel involved.
Reacting on Instagram, user onapulu_lion questioned claims that students were adequately informed about the restriction, alleging a lack of prior communication from authorities.
“Actually there wasn’t any prior warning. The security department, till that day of the event, has no notice or warning against the use of that route. Yes, the restrictions exist but verbal. So what if that guy is a fresher or just have never heard about it?
“What they did to that boy is pure harassment. If na to catch window men now, e go hard them. Na for innocent boy body them go dey show power,” the user wrote.
Another commentator, de.sage (Augustine Aghanwa), faulted the handling of the situation and suggested that the student could pursue legal action.
“If Nigeria is working, this boy can sue this old cargos and make a lot off the security department. He has evidence, and I’m sure they don’t have a camera footage of him trespassing. See old men handling a student or son figure at home like he stole something, just because he was stubborn and trespassed,” he said.
However, not all reactions condemned the security operatives, as some users defended the enforcement of campus rules. Official_PIKOLO argued that students should comply with regulations rather than escalate situations.
“Which one is stand and video, bro if you’re wrong, just admit you’re wrong, then apologise. You will be wrong and still want to make a video. Who do you want to drag? Back then in school at my school admin, there are some routes you don’t follow, it is a normal school procedure,” the user wrote.
Providing additional context, an individual identified as the Students’ Union Government Chief of Staff, Adams Okorie, who uses the handle chiefigwe_, defended the actions of campus security, citing rising insecurity concerns within the institution.
“Recent incidents at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus have raised serious security concerns. Students have been robbed, with phones and valuables stolen by individuals who disguise themselves as students and gain access to classrooms and hostels.
“These incidents have occurred multiple times, and due to limited resources, campus security has introduced strict measures to protect students,” he said.
He further added, “From experience, appearances can be deceptive. I witnessed this one at Law Faculty when I was reading with my friends. We caught a thief dressing professionally to blend. He claimed to be a law student but could not provide any proof. Upon further questioning and beating, he admitted involvement in theft, revealing that his accomplice was at HESSA with the items they had stolen.”UNN security operatives face backlash over student assault
Security operatives at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus have faced heavy backlash after a viral video surfaced showing a student being physically assaulted during an enforcement exercise linked to the use of a restricted campus route.
The widely circulated clip on social media showed the student, said to be a law undergraduate, being chased, apprehended, and forcefully restrained close to the campus gate by security personnel.
In the footage, the visibly shaken student could be heard repeatedly asking what his offence was, while some of the operatives labelled him a “criminal” as they dragged him toward a security post.
The situation escalated as he was beaten by more than three security men, with onlookers reportedly unable to intervene.
Initial reports suggest the student had used a pathway that had been marked as restricted by the university authorities. Security operatives allegedly moved to arrest him for trespassing and for not properly identifying himself.
Some sources further claimed that the student attempted to flee after an unidentified person allegedly threatened him with a stone-like object, leading to a chase before he was eventually overpowered and restrained.
A campus-based platform, UNN Chronicles, later reported that the matter was eventually resolved after the student submitted a formal apology letter. He has since been released from custody.
Despite that resolution, the manner of the arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with many condemning the conduct of the security personnel involved.
Reacting on Instagram, user onapulu_lion questioned claims that students were adequately informed about the restriction, alleging a lack of prior communication from authorities.
“Actually there wasn’t any prior warning. The security department, till that day of the event, has no notice or warning against the use of that route. Yes, the restrictions exist but verbal. So what if that guy is a fresher or just have never heard about it?
“What they did to that boy is pure harassment. If na to catch window men now, e go hard them. Na for innocent boy body them go dey show power,” the user wrote.
Another commentator, de.sage (Augustine Aghanwa), faulted the handling of the situation and suggested that the student could pursue legal action.
“If Nigeria is working, this boy can sue this old cargos and make a lot off the security department. He has evidence, and I’m sure they don’t have a camera footage of him trespassing. See old men handling a student or son figure at home like he stole something, just because he was stubborn and trespassed,” he said.
However, not all reactions condemned the security operatives, as some users defended the enforcement of campus rules. Official_PIKOLO argued that students should comply with regulations rather than escalate situations.
“Which one is stand and video, bro if you’re wrong, just admit you’re wrong, then apologise. You will be wrong and still want to make a video. Who do you want to drag? Back then in school at my school admin, there are some routes you don’t follow, it is a normal school procedure,” the user wrote.
Providing additional context, an individual identified as the Students’ Union Government Chief of Staff, Adams Okorie, who uses the handle chiefigwe_, defended the actions of campus security, citing rising insecurity concerns within the institution.
“Recent incidents at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus have raised serious security concerns. Students have been robbed, with phones and valuables stolen by individuals who disguise themselves as students and gain access to classrooms and hostels.
“These incidents have occurred multiple times, and due to limited resources, campus security has introduced strict measures to protect students,” he said.
He further added, “From experience, appearances can be deceptive. I witnessed this one at Law Faculty when I was reading with my friends. We caught a thief dressing professionally to blend. He claimed to be a law student but could not provide any proof. Upon further questioning and beating, he admitted involvement in theft, revealing that his accomplice was at HESSA with the items they had stolen.”
