Nigeria Police Roll Out Special Units for Labour Protest

Security agencies across Nigeria on Tuesday intensified deployments nationwide as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) proceeded with its planned mass protest over worsening insecurity and economic hardship, heightening concerns about public order across major cities.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that special forces and tactical units have been mobilised across states and the Federal Capital Territory to secure protest routes, public facilities and flashpoints, amid intelligence reports suggesting possible attempts by hoodlums and political actors to hijack the demonstrations.

The nationwide protest, described by the labour movement as a “National Day of Protest and Mourning,” is scheduled to hold today across the country and is aimed at drawing attention to escalating violent crimes, unresolved labour issues, rising living costs and what the NLC described as government failure to protect lives and livelihoods.

Speaking on Tuesday, the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, said the congress would not suspend the action, confirming that affiliate unions had been fully mobilised. He warned that any interference with the protest or harm to participants could result in a nationwide indefinite strike.

According to the labour centre, the demonstration is not limited to workers’ demands but represents a broader civic response to insecurity affecting teachers, farmers, traders, artisans and other Nigerians. The NLC said the loss of lives to banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks had reached an unacceptable level, citing recent incidents including the abduction of schoolchildren and the killing of civilians in different parts of the country.

Police authorities, however, said they were prepared to ensure peaceful rallies while preventing a breakdown of law and order. State commands across the country confirmed the deployment of personnel, patrol teams and intelligence units to monitor protest routes and guard against violence.

In Benue State, the police said tactical teams had been stationed across major locations to prevent criminal infiltration, while in Jigawa, Sokoto and Imo states, commands said officers had been placed on high alert and were engaging labour leaders to ensure orderly conduct. Bayelsa State police said both tactical units and drone surveillance would be deployed to monitor the protests, while Kano and Kwara commands confirmed meetings with labour leaders and strategic deployment of officers.

Police spokesmen in several states emphasised that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, stressing that security agencies would focus on protecting lives and property while preventing vandalism and disruptions.

Labour unions beyond the NLC also threw their weight behind the protest. The Federal Workers Forum described the action as a “national assignment,” citing deteriorating public services, wage arrears and growing insecurity. Aviation unions said their members would participate in the protest while maintaining essential services to avoid disruption of flight operations.

The protest follows a resolution reached at the NLC National Executive Council meeting on December 4, where the congress condemned the country’s security situation and rising poverty levels. According to recent World Bank data, more than 60 per cent of Nigerians are now living in poverty, a development labour leaders say has been worsened by insecurity and economic instability.

While the NLC insists the protest will be peaceful and lawful, security agencies said they would not tolerate acts capable of undermining public safety, as Nigerians brace for demonstrations across major cities today.