Police Assures Security Ahead of Retired Officers’ Protest, Addresses Pension Agitations

The Nigeria Police Force has responded to public discussions surrounding the planned peaceful protest by retired police officers over pension-related grievances, affirming its commitment to protect the rights of the protesters and uphold public order.

In a statement issued on July 20, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, the Force acknowledged the legitimacy of the protest while cautioning against misinformation and the politicization of the issue.

“The Nigeria Police Force has noted the ongoing conversations surrounding the peaceful protest being organised by some of our retired officers in relation to their pension entitlements,” the statement reads. “While some of these accounts are grounded in fact and driven by good faith, others have been marred by misinformation, emotional manipulation, and calculated distortions designed to discredit the Government and undermine the present leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.”

The Force expressed concern over actors who are allegedly exploiting the situation for political gain: “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 agitation to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), according to the Force, is not a new development. Since 2014, successive Inspectors-General have shown consistent support for this cause, though legislative and fiscal constraints have stalled the desired outcomes.

“The hard truth is that exiting the Police from the CPS lies beyond the remit of any Inspector-General, as the matter is deeply woven into a web of statutory mandates, inter-agency protocols, and policy inertia,” the statement clarified.

It also noted that pension outcomes under the scheme are projected to improve with time: “Officers retiring within the next five years are projected to receive significantly more favourable pension outcomes than those currently exiting the system.”

To address current challenges, the police leadership is adopting a dual approach—supporting the agitation in principle while devising practical solutions. This includes using internally generated revenue to provide supplementary pension support and engaging private sector players to establish pension enhancement initiatives.

“These interventions are already underway and reflect a broader, more holistic strategy to elevate the welfare of our retired personnel, not merely through policy debates, but through tangible results,” the statement noted, adding that the Federal Government has been adequately sensitized.

Importantly, the Force emphasized that the explanation should not be misconstrued as an attempt to suppress the protest. “On the contrary, it reflects a leadership that listens, understands, and engages in good faith,” Adejobi stated. “The Inspector-General of Police has interacted extensively with many retired officers over the past year, and several groups have since withdrawn their support for the protest.”

However, for those who choose to proceed with the protest—scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025—the Force assured that their rights would be protected, provided due notifications have been given.

All Commissioners of Police across the states, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, have been directed to ensure a peaceful conduct of the protest.

“The Inspector-General of Police charges all officers to note that this protest, described as ‘the mother of all peaceful protests,’ must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary,” the statement emphasized.

The police also warned serving officers not to be swayed by misinformation or manipulated into actions contrary to the ethics of the profession.

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

The Force reiterated its commitment to professionalism, dignity, and humane service, calling on all stakeholders to approach the matter with wisdom and respect.