The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a clarification regarding recent reports suggesting that the force had raided the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). According to a statement released on Friday by the NPF’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, these reports are misleading and do not accurately reflect the events that took place.
Adejobi explained that the incident in question was not a raid on the NLC secretariat, but rather a targeted operation aimed at apprehending a suspected criminal. The suspect, a foreign national, had been linked to a series of criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries. Acting on credible intelligence, detectives from the NPF traced the suspect to a location in the Central Business District of Abuja, which coincidentally turned out to be the NLC building.
“Detectives, armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted an operation at the location, which turned out to be the NLC building,” Adejobi stated. He emphasized that this was a well-coordinated and lawful operation, solely focused on apprehending the prime suspect. The operation, he reiterated, had no connection whatsoever with the NLC, its secretariat, or its leadership.
Adejobi further clarified that the suspect had been using a rented shop within the NLC building as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria. The NPF had been tracking this individual for some time due to the high-profile nature of his alleged crimes, which posed a significant security threat not only to Nigeria but also to other countries in the region. The operation was therefore part of a broader effort to dismantle the suspect’s criminal network and bring him to justice.
“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 police clarified in their statement. The NPF also called for the cooperation and support of the NLC leadership as they continue their investigation. Given the gravity of the suspect’s criminal activities, the investigation is considered crucial for ensuring the safety and security of all parties involved, including the NLC.
The NPF also used the opportunity to reassure the public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining professionalism, and respecting human rights in the discharge of its duties. Adejobi stressed that the force remains dedicated to conducting its operations with the utmost respect for legal protocols and the rights of citizens.
In addition, the NPF urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to exercise caution when renting out spaces within their properties. The police advised property owners to conduct thorough security profiling of prospective tenants to avoid inadvertently harboring individuals involved in criminal activities.
This incident highlights the complex nature of law enforcement operations, particularly when they intersect with high-profile organizations like the NLC. While the police have sought to clear up any misunderstandings surrounding the operation, the situation underscores the importance of accurate reporting and clear communication between law enforcement agencies and the public. As the investigation progresses, the NPF has assured the public that it will continue to work diligently to protect the safety and security of the nation.
