The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest billed for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns.
On Sunday, the unions announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3.
In a joint statement by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the two labour unions said the peaceful rally will be staged at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public demonstration of solidarity with affected workers.
The NLC and TUC directed all affiliates and state councils in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective mobilisation and timely dissemination of the information to their members, adding that full participation in the lawful and peaceful action was expected.
However, in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said it was aware of the proposed peaceful protest and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly.
However, Adeh disclosed 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 for purposes that could threaten public peace and security.
The statement partly read, “The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory.
“While the Command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, 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.”
Adeh added that the measure was also aimed at ensuring the safety of residents, protecting freedom of movement, and allowing the unhindered conduct of lawful daily activities within the Federal Capital Territory.
She said, “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. This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon. ”
The PUNCH reports that the workers of the FCT administration commenced an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions.
In response, the FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the industrial action as illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions and their members from continuing the strike.
The court, however, ordered the workers to resume work.
The NLC and TUC subsequently accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist it.
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