The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused security forces of kidnapping its President, Joe Ajaero, and taking him away without a warrant. In response to this, the NLC called on its members, state branches, and all Nigerian workers to stay vigilant.

In a statement by Benson Upah, Head of Media/Information at NLC, the arrest was condemned as a severe act of lawlessness by the Nigerian government, aimed at stifling dissent. The government’s policies, the NLC argued, continue to inflict immense suffering on the population.

The statement, titled “COMRADE JOE AJAERO: PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) HAS BEEN DETAINED BY THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT,” explains that Ajaero was on his way to the UK, invited by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain, to speak at an event focused on workers’ rights and social justice. Despite efforts, the NLC has been unable to contact him or confirm his location.

The NLC emphasized that Ajaero’s detention occurred without any legal warrant, and that his detention is an unjust act of intimidation, violating his right to free movement and expression. The arrest, according to the statement, reflects the government’s attempts to suppress opposition amidst the severe hardships caused by its economic policies.

The NLC declared that it would not tolerate such intimidation, calling for Ajaero’s immediate and unconditional release, and urged all affiliated groups, civil society, and Nigerians to be on high alert. It also called on the international community to take note of Nigeria’s increasing authoritarianism and to stand against these attacks on human rights.

The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights and demanded the release of not only Ajaero but all Nigerians detained for exercising their right to protest, including those involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.