The Nigerian Police Force has clarified that the recent operation at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Abuja was not a raid on the labor union’s offices but a targeted operation aimed at apprehending a foreign national involved in multiple criminal activities. The clarification comes in response to widespread reports that the NLC’s headquarters was the focus of the police action.

Police Operation Targeted High-Profile Criminal Suspect

According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the operation conducted on August 7, 2024, was part of an ongoing investigation into a high-profile criminal suspect. The individual, a foreign national, has been implicated in several crimes across Nigeria and other African nations. The police, equipped with the necessary legal authority, traced the suspect to a shop within the NLC building located in the Central Business District of Abuja.

The police emphasized that the operation was well-coordinated and lawful, with the sole aim of apprehending the suspect. “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to clarify that a prime criminal suspect in an ongoing investigation was traced to a shop within the building in the Central Business District, Abuja,” Adejobi stated. He further explained that the location turned out to be part of the NLC’s premises, but the operation had no connection to the NLC itself or its leadership.

NLC Not the Focus of Police Action

The Force Headquarters was quick to distance the NLC from any involvement in the operation, stating clearly that the Secretariat and its leadership were not the targets. “This operation had no connection with the NLC, its Secretariat, staff, or leadership,” Adejobi clarified. The shop within the NLC building where the suspect was found was reportedly being used as a front for criminal activities in Nigeria.

The police statement also sought to reassure the public and the NLC leadership that the operation was conducted with full respect for legal procedures and human rights. The NLC Secretariat was not raided, and the activities within the union’s offices were not disrupted by the police action. Instead, the focus was entirely on capturing the suspect, who poses a significant security threat not only to Nigeria but also to other African countries.

Call for Cooperation and Vigilance

In light of the incident, the Nigeria Police Force called for cooperation from the NLC leadership and the public as they continue their investigation. The police emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring national security, particularly when dealing with high-profile criminal suspects. The statement urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to conduct thorough security checks on individuals seeking to rent or use space within their premises.

“The high-profile nature of the suspect poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and other African nations, making this investigation crucial for the safety of all involved, including the NLC,” Adejobi noted. The police also reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law, maintaining professionalism, and respecting human rights in their operations.

The incident has sparked discussions on the importance of clear communication between law enforcement agencies and the public, especially in situations involving prominent organizations like the NLC. The police’s swift response to clarify the situation highlights their intent to avoid misunderstandings and maintain public trust in their operations.

As the investigation continues, the Nigeria Police Force remains focused on ensuring that the suspect is brought to justice, while also safeguarding the interests and operations of organizations like the NLC. The cooperation of all parties involved is seen as vital to the success of this and other similar operations aimed at enhancing national security.

Source: Vanguard