Abuja, Nigeria – The United Action Front of Civil Society has vehemently condemned the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The arrest occurred as Ajaero was en route to attend the Trade Union Congress conference in the United Kingdom.

In a statement released on Monday, the civil society group characterized the arrest as a “Gestapo manner” operation and a “needless show of force,” accusing the DSS of attempting to instigate national anarchy. The group criticized the DSS for subjecting Ajaero, a prominent leader and high-profile citizen, to what they described as “dehumanising tactics” instead of treating him with the respect and courtesy his position warrants.

Hamisu Santuraki, Head of Secretariat for the United Action Front of Civil Society, issued a statement calling for Ajaero’s immediate release. He warned that Ajaero’s detention could provoke mass resistance and civil disobedience. Santuraki also announced plans to initiate national consultations aimed at addressing the rise of a “police state” in Nigeria.

“The DSS has, without justification, deviated from conventional practices previously adopted by the police in dealing with high-profile citizens and leaders,” Santuraki stated. “Rather than extending formal invitations, they have resorted to forceful abduction, intending to embarrass and intimidate individuals like Ajaero as if he were a common criminal.”

The statement further highlighted Ajaero’s significance as a leader of both the Labour movement and the Nigerian masses. The civil society group emphasized that any security concerns involving Ajaero should be handled with due process, not through aggressive tactics that could lead to national upheaval.

“The abduction of Ajaero today represents a flagrant and indecent overreach by Nigerian security operatives,” the statement continued. “It is a brazen act of rascality that deserves condemnation from all quarters. If Ajaero is not released immediately, this could lead to widespread resistance and civil disobedience across the country.”

Ajaero’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with critics accusing the DSS of attempting to stifle dissenting voices and disrupt the democratic process. The situation continues to develop, with many monitoring the response from both civil society and government officials.