Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has raised security concerns over a planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, warning that the demonstration could be hijacked by criminal elements.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command confirmed it was aware of the proposed protest but disclosed that intelligence reports point to potential threats to public safety.
According to the statement, “the FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Council scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd February 2026.”
While reaffirming its respect for citizens’ constitutional rights, the police cautioned that security agencies had uncovered plans by hostile groups to infiltrate the protest.
The statement noted that “while the Command respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, intelligence reports indicate plans by proscribed groups and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest, posing a risk to public peace and safety.”
Based on the intelligence findings, the police advised the organisers to reconsider the timing of the protest in order to avert possible unrest in the nation’s capital.
“In the interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command has advised the organizers to consider rescheduling the protest to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to protect lives, property, and the rights of other residents,” the statement added.
The Command further assured residents of its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the territory, urging continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
It stated that “the Command remains committed to safeguarding all lawful activities and urges residents to continue cooperating with security agencies to keep the FCT peaceful and secure.”
The police intelligence alert comes just hours after the National Industrial Court issued an interim order restraining the NLC, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three other parties from embarking on any form of strike or protest.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim, while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration, ordered that the 1st to 5th respondents and their agents be restrained from engaging in industrial action pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
The court also directed the 5th to 9th defendants, identified as security agencies, to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order within the FCT.
The twin developments have heightened attention on the planned labour action, with authorities emphasizing the need to prioritise public safety and lawful conduct.
