The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to suspend its planned peaceful protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing alleged security threats.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said intelligence reports revealed that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other non-state actors were planning to infiltrate and hijack the protest.
According to the police, the development raises concerns about possible violence and a breakdown of law and order in Abuja.
While affirming citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the command said the potential security risks associated with the protest outweighed the need for its immediate execution.
“The Command recognizes and respects the rights of citizens to peaceful protest, but 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 read.
The police appealed to the NLC leadership to consider rescheduling the protest as a preventive step to protect lives, property, and public order.
It also warned that the demonstration could disrupt residents’ freedom of movement and daily activities if it degenerates into unrest.
The appeal comes amid an escalating industrial dispute between the FCT Administration and its staff.
Both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have announced plans for a solidarity rally in support of members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The rally is expected to hold on Tuesday at the premises of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in Abuja, with all NLC and TUC affiliates and state councils in the FCT directed to participate.
In a joint statement, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, and Secretary General of the TUC, Comrade General N.A. Toro, said the rally was aimed at reaffirming solidarity with JUAC members.
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“The rally is to publicly affirm that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the Nigerian labour movement will not abandon its own,” the statement said.
The labour centres urged JUAC members to remain resolute in the defence of their rights, describing the struggle as one rooted in justice, fairness, and respect for labour rights.
They also reiterated support for striking FCT workers protesting the alleged non-remittance of National Housing Fund and pension deductions, as stipulated under the Pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended).
The NLC and TUC directed their affiliates to mobilise members and ensure full participation in what they described as a lawful and peaceful rally, adding that details of convergence points and timings would be communicated through the respective unions.