he Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to postpone their planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:00 AM in Abuja, citing significant security concerns.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the police warned that intelligence reports indicate potential infiltration of the planned demonstration by criminal elements who may exploit the gathering to cause violence and public disorder.
The FCT Police Commissioner emphasized that while the command recognizes the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, the current security situation requires extreme caution. “We have credible intelligence suggesting that certain individuals with malicious intent may attempt to hijack the protest for their own nefarious purposes,” the statement read.
The police urged both labour unions to consider rescheduling the protest to allow adequate time for security agencies to put proper measures in place to ensure the safety of all participants and residents of the nation’s capital.
The NLC FCT Council Chairman had issued a mobilization directive on January 31, calling on all workers and affiliate unions to gather at the Unity Fountain for the mass protest at 7:00 AM today.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn on Monday, February 2, when the National Industrial Court issued an interim injunction restraining the NLC, TUC, and their leaders from embarking on the protest. Despite this court order, labour leaders have remained resolute in their position, arguing that their members have legitimate grievances that need urgent attention and that they have consistently conducted peaceful protests without incident in the past.
The planned demonstration is reportedly focused on pressing economic issues affecting Nigerian workers, including demands for better working conditions and concerns over recent government policies.
As tensions mount, civil society organizations and residents of Abuja are watching closely to see whether the labour unions will heed the police warning and court injunction or proceed with their scheduled action. The situation has sparked debate about the balance between citizens’ right to protest and legitimate security concerns in maintaining public order.
The FCT Police Command has assured residents that security agencies will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to maintain peace and order in the capital.
