The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned a police raid on its Abuja headquarters as a troubling development in security operations. Armed operatives, lacking proper legal authority, raided the office, seizing materials and breaking into rooms. The NLC demands an international inquiry and return of the confiscated items.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the recent police raid on its headquarters in Abuja, calling it a significant low point in security operations. The raid occurred late in the evening, with heavily armed security operatives, including those from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), entering the building without proper legal authorization.
The operatives targeted the 10th floor, where NLC President Joe Ajaero’s office is located, and then moved to the second floor, breaking into offices and seizing hundreds of books and publications. The NLC accused the operatives of searching for materials related to the #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement, Comrade Benson Upah of the NLC condemned the raid, stating that such actions were unprecedented even during Nigeria’s military rule. The NLC has called for an international inquiry into the invasion, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the security forces and the return of all confiscated materials. They also directed staff to stay away from the headquarters until a thorough review is completed to ensure no incriminating evidence was planted. The raid comes shortly after the NLC condemned recent actions against protesters and criticized the excessive use of force by security agents.
The NLC’s response underscores growing concerns about the erosion of democratic rights and the increasing use of state power to suppress dissent. The organization’s call for accountability reflects fears of a deteriorating human rights situation in Nigeria.