The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to shift their planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, over security concerns.
The unions had announced on Sunday that they would hold a peaceful solidarity rally at the Federal Capital Development Authority to support workers affected by unresolved labour issues.
In a joint statement, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General N. A. Toro said the rally was aimed at demonstrating “solidarity with affected workers,” and directed all affiliates in the FCT to mobilise fully.
However, the FCT Police, in a statement released Monday by spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh, urged caution.
Adeh said the Command respected the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly but warned of credible threats.
According to her, “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.”
She added that the appeal to shift the rally was made “in the overriding interest of public safety,” stressing that the measure would help prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“This is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and protecting the freedom of movement and lawful daily activities within the FCT,” she said.
The protest call came amid ongoing tension between the unions and the FCT administration. Workers under the FCT administration had embarked on an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions.
The FCT authorities challenged the strike at the National Industrial Court, describing it as illegal, after which the court ordered the workers to resume duties.
The NLC and TUC, however, accused the authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist any attempts to silence workers.
