As tension mounts over rising insecurity and hardship across the country, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed special forces nationwide ahead of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) protest scheduled for today.
The two-day protest, organised by the NLC, is meant to express workers’ frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, and what they describe as government inaction. Security operatives have been stationed at key points in major cities, with the police assuring Nigerians of their readiness to maintain law and order throughout the demonstration.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the police would ensure peaceful protest without disruption by criminal elements. He warned against any form of violence, vandalism, or breakdown of law and order, noting that anyone caught would face prosecution.
According to Adejobi, special intervention units, including riot control teams and undercover officers, have been deployed to monitor and respond swiftly to any emerging threats during the protest. He added that state commands had been directed to liaise with NLC leaders to ensure smooth coordination and peaceful conduct.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations and rights activists have urged the police not to use force against peaceful protesters, stressing the constitutional right to assemble and express grievances.
The Federal Government has called for calm and appealed to the labour union to shelve the protest, citing ongoing efforts to address economic challenges. However, the NLC insists the protest will proceed as planned, vowing to hold leaders accountable.
