JUST IN: POLICE URGE NLC, TUC TO RESCHEDULE ABUJA PROTEST OVER SECURITY INTELLIGENCE

POLICE URGE NLC, TUC TO RESCHEDULE ABUJA PROTEST OVER SECURITY INTELLIGENCE


The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reschedule their planned protest slated for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing credible security concerns.

The labour unions had earlier announced plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja in support of affected workers of the FCT Administration. According to a joint statement issued on Sunday by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General N. A. Toro, the rally was scheduled to take place at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The unions directed all affiliates and state councils within the Federal Capital Territory to mobilise members effectively, stressing that full participation was expected in the lawful protest.

However, in a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the police were aware of the planned rally and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly.

Adeh disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicated plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest, potentially threatening public peace and security.

“While the Command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, intelligence reports at our disposal indicate plans by proscribed groups and other actors to exploit the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security,” the statement read in part.

She explained that the appeal to reschedule the protest was aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order, safeguarding residents, and ensuring the free movement of people and conduct of lawful activities within the Federal Capital Territory.

“In the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers to consider rescheduling the planned protest to a later date and time,” Adeh said.

The development comes amid an ongoing industrial dispute involving workers of the FCT Administration, who commenced an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears, and poor working conditions.

In response to the strike, FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the industrial action as illegal and seeking an order restraining the unions from continuing the strike. The court subsequently ordered the workers to resume duties.

Following the court ruling, the NLC and TUC accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist what they described as actions against workers’ rights.

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