- According to her, while the police remain committed to providing adequate security for lawful activities
- They further directed all affiliates and state councils within the FCT to mobilise members effectively and ensure full participation
- She explained that the request was aimed at preventing any breakdown of law and order, safeguarding residents
Security concerns have prompted the Federal Capital Territory Police Command to urge the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shift their planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the appeal followed the labour unions’ announcement of a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja, slated to hold at the Federal Capital Development Authority.
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In a joint statement issued on Sunday by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General N. A. Toro, the unions said the rally was intended to show support for affected workers in the territory.
They further directed all affiliates and state councils within the FCT to mobilise members effectively and ensure full participation in what they described as a lawful and peaceful action.
Reacting on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the police were fully aware of the planned rally and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly.
However, Adeh disclosed that intelligence reports available to the command indicated that the protest could be infiltrated and hijacked by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors, posing a threat to public peace and security.
According to her, while the police remain committed to providing adequate security for lawful activities, the intelligence warning necessitated caution in the interest of public safety.
“In view of the security reports at our disposal, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling it to a later date and time,” the statement said.
She explained that the request was aimed at preventing any breakdown of law and order, safeguarding residents, and ensuring the free movement of people as well as the uninterrupted conduct of lawful activities across the FCT.
Meanwhile, the protest plan comes amid an ongoing industrial dispute involving workers of the FCT administration, who began an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions.
The FCT authorities had approached the National Industrial Court, declaring the strike illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions. Although the court subsequently directed workers to resume duties, the NLC and TUC accused the authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist such actions.
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