NIGERIA POLICE ASSURES SECURITY AHEAD OF RETIRED OFFICERS' PROTEST, SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON PENSION AGITATION

Read Time:2 Minute, 6 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public and concerned stakeholders of adequate security and dignified conduct as retired police officers prepare to stage a peaceful protest on Monday, July 21, 2025, over their pension entitlements.

In an official statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, the Force addressed growing concerns and misinformation surrounding the protest, stating that while some grievances are legitimate, others have been manipulated by political actors for disruptive purposes.

“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponizing the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” the statement read. “Their intent is not reform, but disruption.”

The statement clarified that the agitation for police exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is not a new demand and has spanned over a decade. It emphasized that successive Inspectors-General of Police have consistently supported the call, but the matter remains unresolved due to statutory constraints, fiscal challenges, and bureaucratic delays.

Importantly, the Police noted that future pension outcomes under the CPS are projected to improve as the scheme matures, with officers retiring in the next five years expected to receive better benefits than those currently exiting.

As part of a proactive approach, the current police leadership is pursuing a dual-track strategy: backing the call for reform while rolling out innovative solutions to address immediate welfare needs. These include supplementing pensions through internally generated revenue and engaging private sector partners for additional support.

“The Federal Government has been sensitised, and appropriate responses are being awaited,” the Force stated.

The Inspector-General of Police has directed all Commissioners of Police to provide full security coverage in the Federal Capital Territory and other states where the protest has been formally notified, ensuring peaceful conduct, preventing hijack attempts, and showing maximum respect to retired personnel.

The protest has been described as “the mother of all peaceful protests,” and the IGP emphasized that it must be conducted in a manner that exemplifies dignity and professionalism.

“This is more than a directive; it is a call to institutional responsibility, a test of our maturity, our values, and our discipline,” the IGP charged.

Serving officers were also cautioned against being swayed by misinformation or politically motivated actors attempting to undermine police ethics and professionalism.

The statement concluded with a call for wisdom, restraint, and unwavering respect for the men and women who have served the nation with honour.