The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to shift their planned protest in Abuja scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security threats and intelligence reports that suggest possible infiltration by non-state actors.
The police warned that the proposed rally, announced by organised labour in support of striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, could be hijacked and threaten public order in the nation’s capital.
The NLC and TUC had earlier declared plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja to support FCTA workers who began an indefinite strike on January 19. The workers are demanding the payment of unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and improved working conditions.
Following the strike, the FCT Administration approached the National Industrial Court, which declared the industrial action illegal and ordered the workers to return to duty. Organised labour rejected the ruling and accused the FCTA of intimidation, while insisting it would challenge the court’s decision.
In a joint statement signed by the NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N.A. Toro, the unions said the rally would take place at the Federal Capital Development Authority. They described the action as a public show of solidarity and directed all affiliates and state councils within the FCT to mobilise their members for what they called a lawful and peaceful protest.
Reacting on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the command was aware of the planned protest and acknowledged citizens’ constitutional rights.
“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,” the statement said.
“While the Command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, 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.”
Adeh said the police advisory was issued to prevent a breakdown of law and order, safeguard residents and allow lawful activities to continue across the FCT.
“In view of the overriding interest of public safety, the Command respectfully appeals to the organisers to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” she added.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Monday restrained the NLC, the TUC and three others from embarking on any form of protest or industrial action within the FCT.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the interim order after hearing an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
The other parties restrained include the NLC spokesman, Benson Upah; the TUC Secretary General, N.A. Toro; and the Chairman of the FCT NLC, Stephen Knabayi.
The application, dated February 2, was filed under suit number NICN/ABJ/30/26 by James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the FCT Minister and the FCTA. The court ordered the respondents, their agents or privies to refrain from any strike or protest pending the hearing of a motion on notice. Justice Subilim also directed security agencies to ensure that law and order are maintained in the FCT.
According to the claimants, mobilisation messages for a mass protest scheduled for February 3 were circulated by the FCT NLC Chairman, allegedly in breach of an earlier court order issued on January 27, 2026. They told the court that despite being served with an interlocutory injunction, the unions allegedly urged workers to intensify the strike, citing an appeal filed by their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN).
The claimants further alleged that the Joint Unions Action Committee and the NLC FCT Council later issued circulars directing workers to resume the strike and mobilise for a mass protest “with a view to causing chaos, breakdown of law and order, and disruption of governance” in Abuja.
The court adjourned the matter until February 10 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Despite the police warning and the court order, organised labour maintained on Monday that the protest would proceed as planned.
Asked about the police advisory, the NLC National Spokesman said, “Sure, the rally will go ahead.”
When questioned on whether the union was aware of the court ruling halting the protest, he said they had not been served. “No, not at all,” he said.
The unions insisted that the rally remains lawful and said it is meant to draw attention to the conditions faced by FCTA workers, while vowing to continue to resist what they described as anti-worker actions by the FCT authorities.
