The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has engaged forensic experts to conduct a comprehensive security audit at its national secretariat in Abuja, in response to concerns over potential surveillance devices reportedly planted by police during a recent raid.
The union stated that this forensic examination is essential for ensuring the safety of its employees as they prepare to return to the office following the police incursion.
On July 7, security operatives conducted an overnight operation at the NLC headquarters, which included the apprehension of security personnel and access to restricted areas of the building.
According to NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, the police, alongside other unidentified operatives, entered the 10th floor of the headquarters and forcibly extracted keys to the second-floor offices from the security guard on duty.
The police department has claimed that the operation was part of an effort to retrieve evidence related to an alleged international figure perceived as a threat to Nigerian democracy.
However, the NLC has dismissed the police’s rationale and is now demanding the return of its confiscated materials along with the release of arrested personnel.
In a statement, Chris Onyeka, the NLC’s National Assistant General Secretary, confirmed that the union had sought the expertise of international professionals to thoroughly search for potential monitoring devices within their premises.
“The raid on the NLC headquarters resulted in the seizure of important documents. The union’s recent National Executive Council meeting highlighted the urgent need for a forensic security audit to confirm the integrity of our headquarters before personnel can resume work safely,” Onyeka stated.
He further expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s explanations and emphasized that the NLC had formally requested an apology from both the Federal Government and law enforcement, which has yet to be received.
