The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken into custody Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.Ajaero was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official engagement with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) when he was arrested.
Although the reasons for the arrest are still unclear, sources indicate that he has been transferred to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The NLC has confirmed the incident, stating that Ajaero was “abducted” by security operatives without a warrant.
The NLC has alerted its affiliates, state councils, and Nigerian workers to remain vigilant and on high alert following the arrest.
In a statement, the NLC described the incident as “an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness” by the Nigerian government and its agencies, aiming to silence voices of dissent and opposition amidst the country’s economic challenges.
The NLC president’s arrest has been characterized as an assault on Nigerian workers.
The labour union has called for an end to the intimidation and assault, emphasizing that Ajaero’s detention at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) is unacceptable.
