The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reschedule their planned protest slated for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns.
The labour unions had announced on Sunday that they would hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja on the said date. In a joint statement signed by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General N. A. Toro, the unions said the rally would take place at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public show of solidarity with affected workers.
They directed all affiliates and state councils within the FCT to mobilise their members effectively and ensure wide dissemination of the information, stressing that full participation in the peaceful and lawful action was expected.
However, in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Command said it was aware of the planned protest and reaffirmed its respect for citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Adeh, however, revealed that intelligence reports available to the command indicated plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest, posing a threat to public peace and security.
“The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement said.
“While the Command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, intelligence reports at the disposal of the Police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.”
She explained that the appeal to reschedule the protest was aimed at ensuring public safety, protecting residents’ freedom of movement, and allowing the smooth conduct of lawful daily activities within the FCT.
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“In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time, in order to forestall any breakdown of law and order,” Adeh added.
The planned protest follows an indefinite strike embarked upon by workers of the FCT Administration on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions.
In response to the strike, FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the action as illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions and their members. The court subsequently ordered the workers to resume work.
The NLC and TUC, however, accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist what they described as undue pressure on their members.
