(DDM) – Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission reportedly stormed the IHS Towers office in Wuse 2, Abuja, creating panic among staff and visitors.
DDM gathered that the operatives allegedly held Amnesty International personnel “hostage” inside the building while threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to leave or enter the premises.
The dramatic incident unfolded on Thursday during a World Human Rights Day presentation being delivered by Amnesty International, an organisation globally recognized for monitoring and documenting human-rights abuses.
Witnesses described the sudden invasion as shocking and intimidating, noting that several heavily armed ICPC officers surrounded the building and took control of movement both inside and outside the premises.
Eyewitnesses claimed the officers confiscated more than 40 mobile phones, laptops, and smartwatches belonging to employees and visitors attending the event.
Reports indicated that the operatives locked down the building completely, creating a hostage-like situation in which no one was allowed to step out of the conference room.
Sources confirmed that at least two Amnesty International staff members remained trapped inside the facility at the time the incident was reported to the media.
One agitated eyewitness stated that the officers threatened to shoot anyone who attempted to exit the conference hall or approach the building during the operation.
The intrusion sparked outrage among observers, particularly because it occurred during a human-rights-focused event meant to commemorate the globally recognized Human Rights Day.
Legal experts note that any threats of lethal force inside a corporate environment raise grave concerns about abuse of authority and violations of constitutional rights.
Human-rights advocates have condemned the reported actions, insisting that such behaviour undermines Nigeria’s commitments to rule of law and civic freedoms.
Background reports show that Amnesty International has often criticized Nigerian security agencies for misconduct, extrajudicial actions, and brutality, making the timing of this raid even more controversial.
Analysts believe the situation could worsen tensions between local authorities and international rights organisations that operate within the country.
IHS Towers, the company hosting the disrupted event, is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure providers in Africa.
The company began operations in Nigeria in 2001, initially focusing on site-build services for mobile network operators before expanding into major telecommunications tower management across multiple regions.
According to company records, IHS Towers maintains its headquarters in Lagos and operates regional offices in Abuja, Ibadan, Enugu, Asaba, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
Industry observers are questioning whether the ICPC obtained the proper warrants for the operation or adhered to legally required procedures for such a high-risk raid.
Employees interviewed described the experience as traumatic, noting that they were unsure why their devices were seized or why the event was violently interrupted.
Some staff members said they feared for their lives as armed operatives issued threats of possible shooting.
Human-rights groups are already calling for a transparent investigation to determine whether the ICPC operatives acted lawfully or exceeded their official mandate.
Public critics argue that anti-corruption operations must never be conducted in ways that disregard human rights or endanger civilians.
As of the time of reporting, the ICPC has not released an official statement explaining the motive, justification, or legality of the operation at IHS Towers.
Nigerians now await clarity from authorities as pressure mounts for accountability and a thorough review of the controversial raid.
