Security operatives raid NLC headquarters, cart off books, other publications

On the evening of August 7, 2024, heavily armed security forces, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), invaded the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja.

The operatives broke into the building, ransacked a bookshop, and seized hundreds of publications, claiming to search for “seditious materials.”

They arrested the on-duty security operative, who was then coerced to provide office keys. When he couldn’t comply, they forcibly broke into the 10th floor and ransacked the bookshop on the 2nd floor, seizing hundreds of books and publications.

The raid was allegedly conducted to search for materials linked to the #EndBadGovernance Protests.

The NLC strongly condemned the operation, likening it to tactics from Nigeria’s military rule era. They expressed concern over the implications for democratic rights, freedom of speech, and peaceful protest in Nigeria.

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The NLC condemned the raid as a violation of democratic principles, comparing it to actions from Nigeria’s military rule era.

The Congress called for an international inquiry and warned of further action if the harassment continues.

Earlier that day, the NLC’s National Executive Council had condemned the heavy-handed response by security agents to protesters across the country, including mass arrests and accusations of treason.

The unexpected night raid on their headquarters deepened their concerns about Nigeria’s descent into a police state.

In response, the NLC directed its staff to avoid the Labour House until the situation was clarified and called for an international inquiry into the invasion.

They also demanded the immediate withdrawal of security forces from their premises and the return of the seized materials.

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The NLC warned that if these actions persist, they may call on their members to stay home until safety is assured, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue in these challenging times.