The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns and intelligence reports indicating a risk of infiltration by non-state actors.
The police said the planned rally, announced by organised labour in solidarity with striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, could be hijacked and pose a threat to public peace and safety in the nation’s capital.
The NLC and TUC had on Sunday announced plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja in support of FCTA workers, who commenced an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions.
In response to the strike, the FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, which declared the industrial action illegal and ordered the workers to resume duty. Organised labour, however, accused the FCTA of intimidation and vowed to resist the court order.
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 be held at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public demonstration of solidarity.
They directed all affiliates and state councils within the FCT to mobilize members for what they described as a lawful and peaceful protest.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the command was aware of the planned protest and recognized citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
“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 advisory was aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order, protecting residents, and ensuring the unhindered conduct of lawful activities in the FCT.
“In view of the overriding interest of public safety, the Command respectfully appeals to the organisers to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” she added.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja on Monday restrained the NLC, the TUC and three others from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest in the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the interim order while ruling on an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
