DSS Reacts to Reports of Raid on NLC Headquarters

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied allegations that its operatives conducted a raid at the headquarters of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja. This comes after the NLC accused the security agency of sending armed personnel to its offices late Wednesday night, reportedly seizing documents and publications.

In a statement released by the NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Comrade Benson Upah, the union claimed that a group of heavily armed security operatives stormed the Labour House around 8:30 p.m. The NLC alleged that the operatives, some dressed in DSS uniforms, broke into offices on the 2nd and 10th floors, ransacking the premises and carting away hundreds of books and other materials. The union said the operatives claimed they were searching for seditious materials linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests.

However, the DSS swiftly denied these claims on Thursday. DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya dismissed the reports, stating, “Good morning dear friends. Please kindly note that the Service (DSS) did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja.”

The NLC, in response, condemned the alleged raid, describing it as a significant overreach by security agencies and a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democracy. The union drew parallels between the incident and the dark days of military rule, when such actions against the NLC were unheard of.

In its statement, the NLC called on the international community to take note of what it described as a deterioration of democratic principles in Nigeria. The union also demanded an immediate withdrawal of all security personnel from its premises and the return of the confiscated materials. Additionally, the NLC urged an international inquiry into the incident, expressing concerns over potential threats to the safety of its members and the integrity of its office.

The union warned that it might direct its members to stay home if the alleged harassment continues, citing concerns for their safety.