The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports claiming that its agents conducted a raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja, dismissing allegations made by the union as baseless.
The controversy arose after the NLC accused the DSS of sending armed personnel to the Labour House on Wednesday evening, where they allegedly ransacked offices and confiscated materials, including books and publications. The union stated that the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., long after official working hours, and described the actions as a violation of democratic principles.
In a statement, NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Benson Upah, claimed that the security operatives broke into the premises, particularly targeting the bookshop on the 2nd floor. The union further alleged that the operatives were searching for “seditious materials” linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests.
However, on Thursday, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, categorically refuted these claims, asserting that the service did not carry out any operation at the NLC office. “The Service (DSS) did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja,” Afunanya stated, distancing the agency from the alleged raid.
Following the denial, the NLC condemned the alleged invasion and called for the immediate withdrawal of security forces from its premises. The union expressed concern over what it described as an unprecedented action, comparing it to the repression seen during military rule. The NLC also called for an international inquiry into the incident, fearing that it might signal a broader crackdown on democratic freedoms in the country.
The union’s leadership has instructed all staff to stay away from the Labour House until it is confirmed that no incriminating materials or harmful substances were planted during the alleged raid. They also demanded the return of the confiscated items by the end of the next working day.
The NLC warned that if the harassment continues, it may have no choice but to call on its members to refrain from work until their safety is guaranteed, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic rights and freedoms amid the current challenges facing the nation.
