FCT Police Command Asks Organised Labour To Reconsider Protests In Abuja, Claims Shiites Could Hijack Demonstration
February 2, 2026
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force has urged organised labour in Abuja to reconsider a planned protest, citing security concerns within the Federal Capital City.
In particular, the police appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reschedule its peaceful demonstration slated for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The protest, expected to hold within the Federal Capital City (FCC), was organised by the NLC in solidarity with the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), whose members are currently on an indefinite strike over unresolved labour disputes with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The appeal followed a mobilisation notice earlier issued by the NLC FCT Council, directing affiliate unions to assemble at the Labour House from 7:00 a.m. ahead of the protest.
In a statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, recognised the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly.
However, she warned that credible intelligence indicated the planned protest could be infiltrated and hijacked by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, as well as other non-state actors.
According to the police, such infiltration could pose serious threats to public safety and security, necessitating the call for the protest to be postponed in the interest of maintaining peace and order in the capital.
The Command also assured residents of the FCT of its continued commitment to the protection of lives and property.
The development comes amid an ongoing industrial dispute involving workers of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) operating under the JUAC platform.
The workers commenced an indefinite strike on January 19, 2026, over the alleged failure of authorities to pay outstanding promotion arrears and other entitlements.
In response, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside the FCTA, approached the National Industrial Court, which ordered the suspension of the industrial action to allow for further dialogue. Following the ruling, the minister appealed to the workers to return to work in compliance with the court’s directive.