The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed allegations that its agents stormed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja.
On Wednesday evening, unidentified security personnel invaded the Labour House, located in the heart of Abuja’s Central Business District.
According to Benson Upah, NLC’s spokesperson, the security agents claimed they were searching for materials linked to the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, which have been ongoing since August 1.
News About Nigeria reports that the protests, sparked by soaring inflation and a severe cost of living crisis, have turned violent in some areas, resulting in looting and property damage.
The NLC spokesperson said its building invasion began around 8:30 pm, with the security operatives arresting the on-duty guard and forcing him to accompany them to the second floor.
There, they demanded keys to the offices, and when the guard said he didn’t have them, they broke in and ransacked the bookshop, seizing hundreds of books and publications.
In response to the incident, the NLC has instructed its staff to stay away from the building until they can confirm that no incriminating materials or harmful substances were left behind by the invaders.
The NLC also expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria and the apparent attempt to transform the country into a police state.
On Thursday, the DSS issued a brief statement on its official page, denying any involvement in the alleged raid on the NLC headquarters.
“Please kindly note that the Service (DSS) did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja,” the DSS wrote on X.
