The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reconsider and reschedule its planned protest, citing grave security concerns and the need to safeguard public order in Abuja.
The protest, billed to hold Tuesday, February 3, 2026, is expected to take place within the FCT, drawing public attention and potentially large crowds across key locations in the nation’s capital.
In a statement issued on February 2, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the Command is fully aware of the planned demonstration and has been monitoring developments surrounding it.
The police reaffirmed their recognition of the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, stressing that the Command remains committed to providing security for all lawful civic activities.
However, the statement disclosed that credible intelligence reports available to the Command point to plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest.
According to the police, such infiltration poses a serious risk of escalation, with the potential to compromise public peace, disrupt traffic flow, and endanger lives and property within the FCT.
Against this backdrop, the Command said the appeal to reschedule the protest was made purely in the overriding interest of public safety, and not as an attempt to suppress lawful expression.
The police further noted that the proposed adjustment would help prevent a breakdown of law and order while protecting the rights of other residents to freedom of movement and uninterrupted lawful activities.
Residents of the FCT were assured of the Command’s unwavering resolve to protect lives and property, regardless of evolving security dynamics.
The Police Command concluded by urging all stakeholders and citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that collective vigilance and dialogue remain critical to sustaining peace and stability in the Federal Capital Territory.