Tension Rises: Police Deploy Special Forces Ahead Of NLC Nationwide Strike

The Nigeria Police Force has deployed special forces and tactical teams across the country ahead of nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with state commands assuring that the demonstrations will remain peaceful.

In separate interviews with Punch on Tuesday, police spokespersons confirmed their readiness to prevent miscreants and political opportunists from disrupting the rallies.

The NLC has insisted that it will proceed with its planned protests, citing escalating insecurity and unresolved labour issues. When asked whether affiliate unions had been mobilised, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah stated, “We are going on with the protest across the country,” warning that any interference could trigger an indefinite nationwide strike.

Upah added that intelligence suggests that unscrupulous individuals and political hirelings may attempt to infiltrate or violently disrupt the protests. He stressed that any harm to workers or citizens would result in “an immediate and indefinite shutdown across all sectors of the economy.”

“Our action is not merely a procession; it is a collective act of grief and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security,” the NLC said. The protests also address broader labour grievances, including unresolved agreements with the Federal Government, rising living costs, and the impact of insecurity on workers’ safety, productivity, and livelihoods.

The union has instructed state chapters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to organise peaceful demonstrations, emphasising that the actions are lawful and constitutionally protected.

Meanwhile, police commands in various states have detailed proactive security measures:

• Benue: Tactical teams deployed across major areas to prevent hijacking of the protest. Spokesperson Udeme Edet assured residents that the state remains peaceful.

• Jigawa: Adequate personnel deployed to monitor and secure protest routes, according to PRO Shi’isu Adam.

• Sokoto: Officers on alert with special teams stationed at potential flashpoints. Police are coordinating with labour leaders to ensure order, said spokesman Ahmed Rufai.

• Imo: Maximum security deployed, with CP Aboki Danjuma ensuring no breach of law and order, according to spokesman Henry Okoye.

• Bayelsa: Tactical units and drones mobilised to secure protest routes, noted PRO Musa Mohammed.

• Kano: CP Ibrahim Bakori engaged with NLC leadership to guarantee a peaceful demonstration, confirmed PRO Abdullahi Haruna.

• Gombe and Bauchi: Arrangements made for full security coverage of the protests, according to PROs Buhari Abdullahi and Habib Nafiu.

• Akwa Ibom: Adequate personnel deployed at strategic locations, enhanced patrols in place, said PRO Timfon John.

• Kwara: Officers stationed at key areas to maintain law and order, with a security summit planned to strengthen police-community collaboration, stated PRO Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

Police in all states emphasised that the NLC is a structured, law-abiding union and that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest. Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting demonstrators while preventing violence or disruption.