Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has been released from detention by the Department of State Services (DSS). Ajaero was detained on Monday morning at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom. Benson Upah, NLC spokesperson, confirmed the detention.

The NLC had expressed strong disapproval of the arrest, accusing the DSS of an assault on Nigerian workers. In their initial statement, the NLC condemned the action, calling it “an assault on Nigerian workers” and demanding an end to “intimidation and assault.”

On Tuesday, the NLC announced Ajaero’s release via their X handle, stating, “Breaking news… Comrade Joe Ajaero released from DSS detention. The struggle continues, we can’t be silenced.” The detention occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions between the NLC and the federal government. Despite his release, Ajaero and the NLC have vowed to persist in their advocacy for workers’ rights.