The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has spoken about the raid of the national secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The Star had reported that security operatives raided the NLC secretariat at the Central Business District in Abuja on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

“The security operatives, some from the Nigeria Police Force, some wearing black tee-shirts presumably from the Department of State Services (DSS), and others on outright mufti swooped on the 10th Floor of the NLC and arrested the security operative on duty and then commandeered him to the second floor where he was asked to produce the keys to the offices,” the NLC said in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Comrade Benson Upah, on Thursday, August 8.

Reacting to the allegation via a statement on Friday, August 9, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said a suspect was traced to the NLC building.

Adejobi stated that the police’s operation in the area had no connection with the NLC.

He noted: “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to clarify that a prime criminal suspect in an ongoing investigation was traced to a shop within the building in the Central Business District, Abuja. Detectives, armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted an operation at the location, which turned out to be the NLC building.

Protest: Security operatives raid NLC secretariat in Abuja

“This well-coordinated, lawful operation was solely aimed at apprehending the prime suspect – a foreign national implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.

“We emphasise that this operation had no connection with the NLC, its Secretariat, staff, or leadership. The NLC Secretariat was not the focus of the operation, which was targeted at a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.

“The Nigeria Police Force seeks the cooperation and support of the NLC leadership as we continue this investigation, which is vital to safeguarding our nation. The high-profile nature of the suspect poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and other African nations, making this investigation crucial for the safety of all involved, including the NLC.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the rule of law, maintaining professionalism, and respecting human rights in the discharge of our statutory duties.”

The police spokesperson also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to conduct security profiling of individuals seeking to rent space within their premises.

The Star