- The FCT Police advised the NLC and TUC to reschedule their planned protest over concerns about potential security threats
- Labour unions had announced a peaceful rally in support of FCT workers amid an ongoing strike and legal dispute
- Police cited intelligence reports warning of possible infiltration by non-state actors, urging caution in the interest of public safety
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, 3 February 2026, citing intelligence reports pointing to potential security threats.
The labour unions had announced on Sunday their intention to hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja in support of workers affected by ongoing labour disputes within the FCT administration. In a joint statement signed by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the unions said the rally would take place at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and would serve as a public demonstration of solidarity with aggrieved workers.
The NLC and TUC directed all affiliates and state councils within the FCT to ensure effective mobilisation and widespread dissemination of information to members, stressing that full participation in the lawful and peaceful action was expected.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Command had received intelligence suggesting that the protest could be infiltrated and hijacked by non-state actors. According to the police, the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), alongside other groups, was allegedly planning to exploit the protest for purposes that could threaten 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, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read. “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.”
Adeh explained that the appeal to reschedule the protest was made in the overriding interest of public safety. She added that the measure was intended to ensure the protection of residents, preserve freedom of movement, and allow the uninterrupted conduct of lawful daily activities within the FCT.
“In view of the above, the Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time to forestall any breakdown of law and order,” she said.
The planned protest comes against the backdrop of an ongoing labour dispute involving workers of the FCT administration, who commenced an indefinite strike on 19 January over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions. In response, the FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the strike as illegal and seeking an injunction to restrain the unions from continuing the industrial action.
The court subsequently ordered the workers to resume work. However, the NLC and TUC accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist what they described as attempts to suppress legitimate labour demands.
As of Monday, the labour unions had yet to formally respond to the police advisory. The development sets the stage for heightened tension between labour groups and security authorities, as both sides weigh the balance between constitutional rights and public safety in the nation’s capital.
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