The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to suspend its planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing intelligence reports of serious security threats that could lead to violence and a breakdown of law and order in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command said credible intelligence indicated that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other non-state actors were planning to infiltrate and hijack the protest, raising concerns over public safety.
While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the police warned that the prevailing security risks surrounding the planned demonstration outweighed the need for its immediate execution.
“The Command recognizes and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful protest; however, intelligence at our disposal points to plans by proscribed groups and other actors to exploit the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security,” the statement said.
The police described the appeal to the NLC as a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding lives, property, and public order in the nation’s capital, adding that the protest could severely disrupt residents’ movement and daily activities if it degenerated into unrest.
The warning comes amid an escalating industrial dispute between the FCT Administration and its workforce, with the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) threatening a solidarity rally in support of members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
All NLC and TUC affiliates and state councils in the FCT are expected to converge at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) premises in Abuja for the rally.
In a joint statement, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, and Secretary General of the TUC, General N.A. Toro, said the planned rally was intended to demonstrate that “an injury to one is an injury to all,” stressing that the labour movement would not abandon its members.
The labour centres reiterated their solidarity with JUAC members and urged them to remain resolute in defending their rights, describing the struggle as one rooted in justice, fairness, and respect for labour rights.
They also reaffirmed support for striking FCT workers protesting the alleged non-remittance of National Housing Fund and pension deductions, as required under the Pension Reform Act, 2014 (as amended).
“History has taught us that rights are never gifted; they are won through collective resistance and principled struggle,” the statement said, while directing affiliates to mobilise for what they described as a lawful and peaceful rally.
