The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to postpone their planned protest in Abuja, citing potential security risks. The protest was originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
On Sunday, the labour unions announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to show support for workers affected by unpaid salaries and other grievances. In a joint statement, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General N. A. Toro directed affiliates and state councils in the FCT to mobilise members and ensure widespread participation in the lawful protest.
However, in a statement on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Josephine Adeh said the Command is aware of the planned rally and respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. She added that intelligence reports suggested possible attempts by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to hijack the protest, potentially threatening public peace.
“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 partly read.
“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 emphasised that the police intervention aims to safeguard residents, protect freedom of movement, and ensure daily activities in the FCT continue unhindered.
“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,” she added.
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The protest comes amid an ongoing indefinite strike by workers of the FCT administration, which began on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears, and poor working conditions. The FCT authorities had approached the National Industrial Court, seeking to declare the strike illegal, but the court ordered the workers to resume work.
Following the ruling, the NLC and TUC accused the FCT administration of intimidation and vowed to continue resisting what they described as unjust treatment.