By Wellington Jopelo
Security agencies across the country have intensified preparations ahead of the nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with the police deploying special forces and tactical units to prevent violence and disruption.
Findings showed that state police commands have activated intelligence-led operations and stationed officers at strategic locations following concerns that hoodlums or politically sponsored actors could hijack the demonstrations.
The NLC has insisted that the protest will proceed as planned, describing it as a response to rising insecurity, worsening economic hardship and unresolved labour issues.
Confirming the congress’ position, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said mobilisation had been completed nationwide.
“We are going on with the protest across the country,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to obstruct the action, tagged the National Day of Protest and Mourning, could have wider consequences, including an indefinite nationwide shutdown.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Upah disclosed that the congress had received intelligence reports indicating plans by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate or violently disrupt the rallies.
“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,” the statement read.
The labour centre cautioned that an attack on any protester would be met with firm resistance.
“Any attack on our protest will be an attack on the very engine of Nigeria. The consequence will be an escalation and a total shutdown,” it warned.
The NLC explained that the protest extends beyond labour demands, citing insecurity, rising living costs, unpaid entitlements and the impact of violence on workers’ safety and productivity.
The union also referenced repeated attacks across the country, including the abduction of schoolchildren, killings of farmers, teachers and artisans, and what it described as government inaction.
Calling for calm, the congress urged workers, students, traders and the general public to remain peaceful and disciplined during the demonstrations.
“Solidarity is our shield,” it said, while also urging the police to protect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Meanwhile, police authorities across several states confirmed heightened security measures.
In Benue State, the police said tactical teams had been deployed across major locations to prevent criminal interference.
“The command has deployed tactical teams all around major areas of the state to ensure that the planned protest is not hijacked by hoodlums,” spokesperson Udeme Edet said.
Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, said officers had been positioned along protest routes.
“We’ve deployed adequate personnel to monitor and secure the protest routes,” he said.
In Sokoto, police authorities disclosed that meetings had been held with labour leaders to ensure orderliness, while special teams were placed on standby at identified flashpoints.
The Imo State Police Command said “maximum security” had been deployed to prevent any breach of peace.
“There is nothing to worry about,” spokesperson Henry Okoye said, adding that the state remained calm.
Bayelsa State police also confirmed the deployment of tactical units and drone surveillance.
“The CP has directed that tactical units will be deployed to ensure that hoodlums do not hijack the protest,” Musa Mohammed said.
Ahead of the rally, the Kano State Commissioner of Police met with labour leaders, with the command assuring residents that adequate measures were in place to prevent unrest.
Similar assurances were given by police commands in Gombe, Bauchi, Kwara and Akwa Ibom states, all of which said personnel had been deployed to strategic locations and patrols intensified.
Labour support for the protest has continued to grow, with the Federal Workers Forum describing the action as a “national assignment.”
“This protest is not for workers alone; it is a duty for our collective survival,” the forum said in a statement.
Aviation unions also confirmed participation but ruled out any shutdown of services, stressing that the protest would remain peaceful and lawful.
“NLC is saying that there is insecurity in Nigeria. Government should do something,” said the Secretary of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum, Nnadi Hector, noting that participation would not disrupt operations.
As of press time, security agencies said they remained on alert nationwide, insisting that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure peaceful protests across the country.