Police Mobilize Special Forces Nationwide Ahead of NLC Protest Today
Ahead of today’s nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), police commands across the country have mobilised special forces and tactical teams to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
State police authorities, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Tuesday, confirmed their readiness to tackle any miscreants or political hirelings who might attempt to disrupt the rallies.
The NLC had earlier stated that it would go ahead with the planned protests despite rising insecurity and other labour concerns. Spokesperson Benson Upah said, “We are going on with the protest across the country.”
Upah warned that any attempt to interfere with the National Day of Protest and Mourning could trigger an immediate and indefinite strike.
He added that intelligence received by the union indicated that unscrupulous groups might try to infiltrate or violently disrupt the demonstrations.
“Our action tomorrow is not just a mere procession; it is a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security,” Upah said.
The protest, according to the NLC, addresses a range of grievances, including unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, rising cost of living, and the impact of insecurity on workers’ productivity and livelihoods.
The union highlighted the deaths of teachers, farmers, miners, and other artisans amid escalating insecurity and government inaction.
The NLC framed the protests as civic actions aimed at mobilising public opinion and compelling authorities to prioritise security and governance reforms.
It directed state chapters across the 36 states and the FCT to mobilise members for peaceful demonstrations, stressing that the action is lawful and constitutionally protected.
The union condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers nationwide, citing the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State on November 17, 2025, during which two staff members were killed.
The NEC called for urgent government intervention to curb the surge in kidnappings, describing the situation as “alarming and unacceptable.”
The NLC urged workers, students, traders, and citizens to remain disciplined and peaceful during the protests. “Solidarity is our shield,” it said, calling on police to protect citizens’ democratic right to assemble and express grievances.
Meanwhile, police commands in Benue, Jigawa, Sokoto, Imo, Bayelsa, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, and Kwara states confirmed strategic deployments to ensure peaceful rallies.
Officers and tactical units, including drones in some states, have been stationed at key locations, and intelligence-led patrols intensified.
State police spokespeople assured residents that citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly would be protected while preventing any breakdown of law and order.
In Kwara State, the command also announced a security summit themed “Taking Back Our Communities: The Police–Public Partnership Against Violent Crimes,” aimed at strengthening collaboration between security agencies and the public.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
