Police Urge NLC to Postpone Abuja Protest Over Hijack Fears

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a high-level advisory to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), requesting a rescheduling of its planned solidarity protest set for Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The appeal comes amid intelligence reports suggesting that the demonstration, aimed at supporting striking workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is at risk of being infiltrated by violent actors.

According to a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, security agencies have uncovered plans by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shiite sect, and other non-state actors to hijack the procession. The police cautioned that while they respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the current threat level could lead to a significant breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital.

The planned rally is part of an escalating labor crisis in the FCT. The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) recently joined forces with the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to protest the “persistent violation” of workers’ rights. The unions are demanding the immediate payment of five months of wage award arrears, 2023 promotion arrears, and the remittance of pension and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions, which have allegedly been withheld since May 2025.

This labor showdown has already seen significant friction between the unions and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. While the Minister recently secured an interlocutory injunction from the National Industrial Court ordering workers to resume duties, the NLC has remained defiant, describing the strike as a “heroic response” to an insensitive administration. The Minister, on his part, has warned that any worker who continues to block government gates or shuns work will be made a “scapegoat.”

The Police Command’s request for a postponement is framed as a measure to protect the rights of other residents to safety and freedom of movement. “This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the conduct of lawful daily activities is not infringed upon,” the statement read. The Command urged all citizens to cooperate with law enforcement to maintain the fragile peace in the territory.

As of Monday evening, the NLC leadership had not formally responded to the police request. The upcoming hours will be critical in determining whether the labor center will proceed with the rally or heed the security warning to avoid a potential clash between security forces, workers, and the alleged infiltrators.