The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the release of its President, Comrade Joseph Ajaero, from detention after hours in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Ajaero was reportedly released late Monday night, according to NLC’s head of information, Benson Upah.

Ajaero had been detained earlier in the day by the DSS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a Trade Union Congress. His detention sparked widespread condemnation from the NLC, which viewed the action as an affront to Nigerian workers and their leadership.

The NLC had called for his immediate and unconditional release, warning against any further suppression of workers’ rights and preparing to mobilize its affiliates and allies for action. Following his release, there has been no further statement from the DSS regarding the reason for Ajaero’s detention.

The incident comes at a time of rising tensions between the NLC and the government over recent policy decisions, including the increase in petrol prices.