Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has dismissed viral claims that its officers opened fire on members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers at the union’s national headquarters in Garki II, Abuja, clarifying that the reports are false and stem from a misrepresentation of a violent internal clash that prompted police intervention.
According to official accounts, the incident occurred in the early hours of March 23, 2026, when security agencies received a distress call reporting a large-scale invasion of the union’s secretariat located in the Garki district of Abuja. Police authorities stated that approximately 300 individuals, allegedly armed with weapons including cutlasses, bottles, bows, and arrows, stormed the premises in what has been widely interpreted as part of an ongoing leadership struggle within the transport union.
The police response was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, who mobilized officers to the scene to contain the situation and prevent further escalation. Upon arrival, preliminary findings indicated that the group had attempted to enforce a court ruling without the presence of authorized court officials such as sheriffs, a move the police described as unlawful and provocative.
What followed was a violent confrontation between rival factions of the union. Members already present at the secretariat reportedly resisted the takeover attempt, leading to clashes that resulted in multiple injuries. At least one individual sustained severe machete wounds, while several others were injured in the chaos and subsequently taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Amid the confusion, videos began circulating online alleging that police officers had discharged firearms at the scene. However, the FCT Police Command has categorically denied these claims, stating that no shots were fired by its personnel during the operation. Authorities emphasized that officers acted strictly within the bounds of their duty, focusing on restoring order and preventing further violence rather than engaging in the use of lethal force.
The command described the viral videos and accompanying narratives as misleading and warned that such misinformation could inflame tensions and undermine public confidence in law enforcement. Officials stressed that the police presence was purely a response to a security threat and not an act of aggression against union members.
In the aftermath of the clash, seven individuals were arrested at the scene, including figures linked to one of the factions involved in the dispute. Those apprehended were identified as Sulaiman A. Musa, Nasiru Ibrahim, Alhaji Sadisu Musa, Dalha Suleiman, Abdullahi Garba, Saheed Fojebi, and Ibikunle T. Baruwa.
The suspects have since been charged before a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, marking a swift legal response to the incident. Police authorities indicated that the charges relate to their alleged roles in the unlawful invasion of the secretariat and the violence that ensued.
Central to the crisis is a deepening leadership tussle within the union, one of Nigeria’s most influential transport bodies. The conflict has reportedly been fueled by competing claims to the union’s national leadership, with court rulings cited by different factions to justify their positions. The involvement of Ibikunle Baruwa, who is recognized by some as a court-backed leader, has added a legal dimension to the dispute, further complicating the situation.
Baruwa and his supporters have maintained that their actions at the secretariat were lawful and based on judicial decisions affirming their authority. In public remarks, he asserted that the move was not an act of force but rather the execution of court orders after a prolonged period of waiting for compliance.
Despite these claims, the absence of official court enforcement personnel during the attempted takeover has been cited by police as a critical factor that rendered the action irregular and contributed to the outbreak of violence. Law enforcement officials reiterated that court judgments must be executed through proper legal channels to avoid breaches of peace.
Following the intervention, the police confirmed that calm has been restored to the area, with security presence maintained to prevent further disturbances. Authorities also reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that the situation is under control and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety stemming from the incident.
The episode has once again highlighted the volatile nature of disputes within major transport unions in Nigeria, where leadership contests often carry significant economic and political implications. The union, with its extensive nationwide network and influence over road transport operations, has historically been a focal point of such tensions.
Security analysts note that the rapid spread of unverified information following the incident underscores the growing challenge posed by misinformation in crisis situations. The circulation of claims alleging police shootings, despite official denials, reflects the speed at which narratives can form and gain traction in the digital age, often outpacing verified accounts.
The FCT Police Command has urged members of the public to exercise caution and rely on credible sources when sharing information, particularly on matters involving public safety and security operations. Officials emphasized that false reports not only distort facts but can also escalate already tense situations by provoking fear or retaliatory actions.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings commence against those arrested, attention remains focused on the broader implications of the union’s leadership crisis. Observers suggest that a lasting resolution will likely require both judicial clarity and internal reconciliation within the organization to prevent recurring confrontations.
For now, authorities maintain that the events in Garki II were the result of an internal conflict that spiraled into violence, rather than any form of excessive force by security agencies. The police insist that their role was limited to restoring order and protecting lives, a position they have reiterated in the face of persistent online speculation.
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