Ahead of the nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) today, the police have deployed special forces and tactical units across the country to ensure peaceful demonstrations and prevent violence.
In separate interviews on Tuesday, state police commands confirmed they were fully prepared to contain miscreants and political agents who might attempt to hijack the rallies. The protests were called by the NLC in response to worsening insecurity and unresolved labour-related issues.
The NLC has insisted it will proceed with the demonstrations nationwide. Its spokesperson, Benson Upah, said affiliate unions had been mobilised across the country, warning that any attempt to disrupt the protest could lead to a nationwide, indefinite strike.
Upah disclosed that the congress had received intelligence reports suggesting that some groups might attempt to infiltrate or violently disrupt the rallies. He warned that harm to any worker or citizen would trigger an immediate shutdown of economic activities nationwide.
Describing the protest as a National Day of Protest and Mourning, the NLC said the action symbolised collective grief and a democratic demand for the right to life and security. The union stressed that the protest went beyond labour issues and was intended to draw attention to insecurity, rising living costs, poor governance and unfulfilled agreements with the Federal Government.
The NLC cited the growing loss of lives among workers, teachers, farmers and artisans due to insecurity, as well as government inaction. It directed its state chapters across the 36 states and the FCT to organise peaceful and lawful demonstrations, noting that the action is constitutionally protected.
At its National Executive Council meeting on December 4, the NLC condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers and expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State in November 2025. The union also criticised the withdrawal of security personnel prior to the attack and called for urgent government intervention.
The congress urged workers, students, traders and the general public to remain peaceful and united, while calling on the police to protect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
Several labour groups have pledged support for the protest. The Federal Workers Forum described the action as a “national assignment” necessary for the country’s survival, citing insecurity, economic hardship, poor governance and decaying public services. Aviation unions also confirmed participation, while assuring that flight operations would not be disrupted.
Across the states, police commands said they had intensified security measures. Tactical teams, enhanced patrols, intelligence-led surveillance and, in some states, drone monitoring have been deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Police authorities in states including Benue, Jigawa, Sokoto, Imo, Bayelsa, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom and Kwara confirmed engagements with labour leaders and assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the protest.
The police reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that the NLC protest remains peaceful and free from criminal interference.
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