The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest billed for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns.
On Sunday, the unions announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3.
In a joint statement by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the two labour unions said the peaceful rally will be staged at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public demonstration of solidarity with affected workers.
The NLC and TUC directed all affiliates and state councils in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective mobilisation and timely dissemination of the information to their members, adding that full participation in the lawful and peaceful action was expected.
However, in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said it was aware of the proposed peaceful protest and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly.
However, Adeh disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicated plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes that could threaten public peace and security.
The statement partly read, “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.
In response, the FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the industrial action as illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions and their members from continuing the strike.
The court, however, ordered the workers to resume work.
The NLC and TUC subsequently accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist it.