Police Urge NLC, TUC To Suspend Planned Abuja Protest Over Security Threats

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend their planned solidarity protest in Abuja, citing credible security threats.

The protest, scheduled for Tuesday, is intended to show support for workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), currently on strike over unpaid salaries and outstanding benefits under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

In a joint statement earlier issued by NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the labour centres said the demonstration would be peaceful and aimed at drawing government attention to the workers’ demands amid the ongoing dispute with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

However, the FCT Police Command warned that intelligence reports suggest that certain proscribed and non-state groups may attempt to infiltrate and hijack the protest, posing a threat to public safety.

In a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the police said the appeal for postponement was necessary to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

According to her, the command’s position is driven by the need to protect lives and property, as well as safeguard residents’ freedom of movement and lawful activities across the capital city.

“The Command respectfully appeals to the organisers to consider rescheduling the protest to a later date in the overriding interest of public peace and security,” she stated.

Adeh assured residents that the police remain committed to maintaining security across the FCT and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in sustaining peace and order.