The Federal Capital Territory Police Command on Monday urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to reschedule a planned protest in Abuja, citing security concerns and intelligence reports warning of possible infiltration by non-state actors.
Police said the rally, announced by organised labour in solidarity with striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, could be hijacked and threaten public peace and safety in the nation’s capital.
The NLC and TUC had on Sunday said they would stage a peaceful solidarity protest on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in support of FCTA workers who began an indefinite strike on Jan. 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions.
In response to the strike, FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, which declared the action illegal and ordered workers to return to duty. Organised labour rejected the ruling, accusing the FCTA of intimidation and vowing to resist the order.
In a joint statement signed by NLC spokesman Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General N.A. Toro, the unions said the rally would hold at the Federal Capital Development Authority headquarters and directed affiliates and state councils in the FCT to mobilise members for what they described as a lawful protest.
However, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said in a statement that while the command respected citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, intelligence reports suggested the protest could be infiltrated.
“The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026,” the statement said. “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 advisory was aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order and protecting residents, urging organisers to consider rescheduling the rally.
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 in the FCT.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the interim order while ruling on an ex parte application filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCTA. Those restrained include Upah, Toro and FCT NLC Chairman Stephen Knabayi.
The court also directed security agencies to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order in the territory.
The claimants told the court that mobilisation messages for a Feb. 3 protest violated an earlier court order issued on Jan. 27. They alleged that despite being served with an injunction, the unions continued to mobilise workers, citing an appeal filed by their lawyer, Femi Falana, a senior advocate.
The court adjourned the matter until Feb. 10 for hearing of the motion on notice.
Despite the police advisory and the court order, organised labour insisted the protest would proceed as planned.
“Sure, the rally will go ahead,” Upah said when contacted. Asked about the court ruling, he said the unions had not been served.
The unions maintained the protest was lawful and aimed at drawing attention to the conditions of FCTA workers, pledging to continue resisting what they described as anti-worker actions by FCT authorities.
