The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest in Abuja for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns and intelligence assessments showing a possibility of infiltration by non-state actors.
The police warned that the planned gathering, called by organized labor in sympathy with striking Federal Capital Territory Administration workers, could be hijacked and endanger public order and safety in the nation’s capital.
The NLC and TUC announced plans on Sunday to hold a peaceful solidarity protest in Abuja in support of FCTA workers, who began an indefinite strike on January 19 due to unpaid pay, promotion arrears, and bad working conditions.
In response to the strike, the FCT authorities moved the National Industrial Court, which found the industrial action illegal and ordered the workers to return to work. However, organized labor accused the FCTA of intimidation and promised to oppose the court judgment.
In a joint statement issued by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N.A. Toro, the unions stated that the rally would take place at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public expression of solidarity.
They instructed all affiliates and state councils in the FCT to mobilize members for what they termed a legal and peaceful protest.
However, in a statement made on Monday, SP Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the command was aware of the planned protest and acknowledged residents’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council scheduled to be held tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory,” the statement read.
“While the Command recognizes 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 added that the advice was intended to prevent a breakdown in law and order, safeguard citizens, and ensure the uninterrupted performance of authorized operations in the FCT.
“In view of the overriding interest of public safety, the Command respectfully appeals to the organizers to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” she added.
