The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reconsider the timing of its planned peaceful demonstration, raising concerns over potential security threats linked to the proposed action.
The protest, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, has attracted heightened attention from security agencies following intelligence assessments suggesting that criminal and proscribed groups may be planning to exploit the gathering for violent purposes.
According to the police, such developments could undermine public order and endanger residents of the nation’s capital.
The advisory was conveyed in an official statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh.
She explained that the request for a postponement was based strictly on security evaluations and not on any intention to curtail the rights of workers or citizens to express their grievances peacefully.
SP Adeh emphasised that the Command fully acknowledges the constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of assembly and expression.
However, she noted that the responsibility of the police also includes preventing situations that could escalate into chaos, especially in a city as politically and administratively sensitive as Abuja.
According to the statement, intelligence gathered by security operatives revealed that some non-state actors, including proscribed groups, were allegedly planning to infiltrate the FCT protest.
The police warned that such elements could hijack the demonstration, turning a peaceful gathering into a platform for violence, vandalism, or other criminal activities.
“The Command respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” SP Adeh stated.
“However, intelligence reports indicate that certain proscribed groups and other non-state actors are making plans to infiltrate and hijack the protest, posing serious risks to public peace and safety.”
She further explained that the advice to reschedule the protest was aimed at preventing any breakdown of law and order, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of both protesters and non-participating residents within the Federal Capital Territory.
The police spokesperson added that Abuja, as the seat of government, requires special security considerations, particularly during large public gatherings.
Any disruption, she noted, could have far-reaching consequences beyond the FCT, affecting national stability and public confidence.
“In the interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command has advised the organisers to consider rescheduling the protest,” the statement read.
“This is to avert any potential breakdown of law and order and to protect lives, property, and the rights of other residents.”
While the NLC has yet to issue an official response to the police advisory, labour-related protests in the FCT have historically drawn large crowds, often leading to traffic disruptions and heightened security deployments.
Analysts note that the current warning underscores the growing concern by security agencies over the infiltration of civil actions by criminal elements.
The Command also reassured residents that security agencies across the territory remain on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to any threat capable of disturbing public peace.
According to SP Adeh, proactive measures are being taken to monitor developments and prevent any attempt to exploit public gatherings for unlawful purposes.
She urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing the importance of cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
Such collaboration, she said, remains critical to sustaining peace and stability within the FCT.
“The Command remains committed to safeguarding all lawful activities in the territory,” SP Adeh added.
“We urge residents to continue working with security agencies to keep the FCT peaceful and secure.”
The unfolding situation surrounding the proposed FCT protest highlights the delicate balance between protecting democratic freedoms and maintaining public order.
As discussions continue, observers believe that constructive engagement between the NLC and security authorities may help prevent tension while ensuring that workers’ voices are heard through lawful and safe means.
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