Police deny raid on NLC secretariat, clarify operation targeting criminal suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified reports alleging a raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Secretariat, known as Labour House, in Abuja’s Central Business District.

In response to claims made in an August 7, 2024 press release by the NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, the police have firmly denied any unauthorized action against the Labour House.

The NLC had alleged that police officers, accompanied by individuals in black T-shirts and plain clothes, raided their Secretariat.

However, the Nigeria Police Force has provided context, explaining that the operation was part of an ongoing investigation into a prime criminal suspect traced to a shop within the same building.

In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said police detectives, acting under legal authority, conducted a well-coordinated operation aimed at apprehending a foreign national involved in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries.

He said the suspect had been using the rented shop within the NLC building as a front for his illicit operations.

The police emphasized that the operation was in no way connected to the NLC, its staff, or leadership.

Adejobi said the Secretariat itself was not the target; rather, the focus was solely on the rented space occupied by the suspect.

The Force also expressed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining professionalism throughout the operation.

He urged the NLC leadership to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, noting that the suspect posed a significant security threat to both Nigeria and other African nations.

The police also called on Nigerians to be vigilant and to carefully vet individuals seeking to rent space within their premises.

Adejobi said the Nigeria Police Force remained dedicated to respecting human rights and ensuring public safety while carrying out its statutory duties.