The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has provided an explanation for the recent raid on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja. Speaking at a Youth Summit organized by the police, Egbetokun clarified that the operation was not aimed at the NLC itself, but was targeted at individuals linked to destabilizing activities.
Egbetokun stated that the police raid was conducted in pursuit of a suspect allegedly involved in the Sudan crisis and planning similar destabilizing efforts within Nigeria. “Our focus was on a specific individual who has been using the NLC headquarters as a cover for his operations,” Egbetokun explained. “We have been tracking this person due to intelligence that indicated he was planning to incite unrest similar to what occurred in Sudan.”
The IGP addressed concerns over the raid, asserting that it was not a broader attack on the NLC. “Our responsibility is not to protest but to manage protests,” he said. “Based on our intelligence, anyone aware of the real situation would refrain from participating in such protests.” He also mentioned that some individuals connected to the unrest have already fled the country, complicating the investigation.
Egbetokun emphasized that the raid was limited to a specific location—a shop used by the suspect—rather than a comprehensive operation against the NLC. He noted that valuable documents were recovered during the raid, justifying the police action despite public outcry.
Reflecting on past protests, Egbetokun cited the ENDSARS movement, which started peacefully but escalated into violence. “Protests organized on social media can quickly turn violent due to the broad and often uncontrollable reach of social media,” he warned. “We have learned from past experiences and are cautious about protests with potential for violence.”
Addressing food security, the IGP revealed that the police have initiated farm patrols in the Northeast to reassure and protect farmers. “We are actively working to restore confidence among farmers,” he said. “The President is deeply concerned about the issue, and we are committed to addressing the complex security, economic, political, and environmental challenges that impact agriculture.”
Regarding internal police issues, Egbetokun acknowledged the presence of corrupt elements within the force but emphasized that such issues are reflective of broader societal problems. “The police force mirrors the society from which it is drawn,” he stated. “We are dedicated to rooting out corruption and improving the integrity of the police force.”
