Strike: Police Reacts To Planned NLC Protest In Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reschedule its planned protest in support of striking workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

According to a statement signed by the Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the Police have unveiled plans by the members of the Shiite Islamic Sect and other non-state actors to infiltrate and cause violence during the protest.

It therefore appealed to the NLC to reschedule the planned protest to a later date and time in the interest of public peace and security.

The Police noted that the appeal for rescheduling is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon.

The statement reads: “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory.

“While the Command recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, 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.

“In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organizers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time.

“This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon.

“The Command assures residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges all citizens to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace and security.”

Naija News recalls that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had announced plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3.

The unions made this known in a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by the General Secretary of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah, and the Secretary General of the TUC, Nuhu Toro.

According to the statement, the rally is aimed at backing JUAC, which is currently leading an indefinite strike by FCDA workers over the non-payment of their salaries.