In a shocking and unprecedented move, heavily armed security operatives raided the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred around 8:30 PM at the NLC’s headquarters located in the Central Business District of the capital city.
Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that the raid was carried out by a combination of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, individuals presumed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS), and others in plain clothing.
The operatives stormed the 10th Floor of the Labour House, arresting the security guard on duty. The guard was reportedly taken to the second floor, where he was pressured to produce keys to the offices. When he informed them that he did not have the keys, the operatives forcefully broke into the floor and ransacked the bookshop located there, seizing hundreds of books and other publications.
According to a statement released by the NLC’s Head of Information, Benson Upah, the security operatives claimed to be searching for “seditious materials” related to the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The NLC has strongly condemned the raid, describing it as a “new low in security operations” in Nigeria. The Congress emphasized that the operatives did not present any legal documents authorizing the raid and that such actions were unheard of even during Nigeria’s military rule.
The NLC’s statement further expressed deep concern over the current state of Nigeria’s democracy, highlighting the increased repression of peaceful protests and the arbitrary use of charges such as “treason” against protesters.
The Congress condemned the heavy-handed treatment of protesters across the country, which has led to numerous injuries, deaths, and widespread arrests of those perceived to be leading the protests.
The NLC has also raised alarm over the invasion of its offices, calling it a severe violation of democratic rights, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful protest.
The Congress urged the international community to take note of what it described as a rapid deterioration of democratic principles in Nigeria, warning that the country is being pushed toward becoming a police state.
In response to the incident, the NLC has directed all its staff to stay away from the Labour House until it can confirm that no incriminating materials or harmful substances were planted by the security operatives. Additionally, the NLC has called for an international inquiry into the invasion of its facilities.
The NLC is demanding the immediate withdrawal of security agents from its premises and the return of all seized books and materials by the end of work today, August 8, 2024.
The raid comes amidst tensions between the NLC and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, which recently instructed the NLC to dissociate itself from the Labour Party, citing provisions of the Trade Union Dispute Act that prohibit unions from engaging in political activities using their resources.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the Nigerian government and its security apparatus, with many questioning the implications of this raid for the future of Nigeria’s democracy and civil liberties.