Key Points

• Police deployed tactical units nationwide ahead of the NLC protest.

• NLC warned that any attack on protesters could trigger an indefinite strike.

• Unions say the protest targets insecurity, poverty, and governance failures.

Police authorities across Nigeria have rolled out special forces and tactical units ahead of the Nigeria Labour Congress nationwide protest scheduled for today.

Across states, police commands say they are preparing to prevent violence, crowd infiltration, and disruption by criminals or political thugs.

As a result, deployments now include patrol teams, rapid response units, intelligence officers, and, in some states, aerial surveillance.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun directed commands to tighten security around protest routes, public spaces, and critical infrastructure.

Labour Stands Firm on Protest

Despite the security buildup, the NLC has refused to cancel the protest. Instead, the congress describes it as a National Day of Protest and Mourning over rising insecurity and worsening economic conditions.

According to the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, affiliate unions nationwide have already mobilised their members.

“We are proceeding with the protest across the country,” Upah said.

He added that any attempt to disrupt the demonstrations could lead to an indefinite nationwide strike.

NLC Warns Against Interference

Meanwhile, the NLC said it received intelligence that some groups plan to infiltrate or violently disrupt the rallies.

Because of this, the union warned that harm to any protester would shut down the economy.

“This action is not a procession,” the statement noted. “It is a collective cry against insecurity and a demand for the right to life.”

The congress also said any attack on the protest amounts to an attack on Nigerian workers and could force further action.

Protest Rooted in Insecurity and Hardship

According to the NLC, the protest responds to rising kidnappings, killings, and attacks nationwide.

In addition, unresolved labour agreements, high living costs, and job insecurity continue to fuel public anger.

As an example, the union pointed to the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State last month. During that incident, gunmen killed two school staff.

“The scale of school kidnappings is unacceptable,” the NLC said.

The congress also cited World Bank figures showing that about 139 million Nigerians live in poverty.

Workers and Unions Join Nationwide Action

The Federal Workers Forum has thrown its weight behind the protest, describing it as a national duty.

“This protest is about survival,” the forum said, linking insecurity to unpaid wages, poor governance, and failing public services.

At the same time, aviation unions confirmed their participation. However, they assured passengers that flights would continue.

The Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum said members would protest without shutting down services.

“This is not a strike,” the forum said. “Workers will protest peacefully.”

States Confirm Heavy Security Presence

Across the country, police commands in Benue, Jigawa, Sokoto, Imo, Bayelsa, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, and Kwara states confirmed full deployment.

In Bayelsa, police announced plans to use drones alongside tactical teams. In Imo, authorities described the security arrangement as maximum.

Meanwhile, Kano police met with labour leaders to agree on peaceful conduct. In Kwara, officers took positions across the state capital.

Police officials nationwide stressed respect for lawful protest. At the same time, they vowed to stop criminals from hijacking the rallies.

Police Call for Peaceful Conduct

Finally, police spokespeople urged protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

In response, the NLC called on police to protect citizens’ constitutional right to protest.

“Solidarity is our shield,” the union said.