The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to retired military personnel protesting the non-payment of demobilization allowances to vacate the premises of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, insisting that their continued occupation of the facility “lacks merit” and disrupts official activities.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to retired military personnel protesting the non-payment of demobilization allowances to vacate the premises of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, insisting that their continued occupation of the facility “lacks merit” and disrupts official activities.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, made the appeal during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
The protesting veterans have, on several occasions, blocked the main gate of the Finance Ministry, demanding the immediate payment of their gratuities, debarment allowances, and other entitlements. Despite several appeals by military authorities, the protesters have refused to back down.
Maj-Gen Kangye explained that the veterans’ demands were not supported by existing policy, stressing that their allowances had been computed according to the prevailing salary chart at the time of retirement.
“The first chart was what we call pre-minimum wage chart which was effective 1st January 2024 to 28th July 2024. This was the chart based on which some retired soldiers or retired military personnel emoluments were being calculated. Then the second chart was the real minimum wage chart which took effect from 29 July to date,” he said.
“Gratuity and security debarment allowance for military personnel is calculated based on the salary chart on the effective date of retirement. So if a soldier is retired today, the subsisting chart that his entitlement will be calculated on will be the chart of today. Unfortunately, those soldiers who retired from 1 January 2024 to 28 July 2024 before the implementation of the new minimum wage wanted their gratuity and security debarment allowance to be calculated based on the new minimum wage chart. This cannot be done because the policy of the new minimum wage came into effect on 29 July,” Kangye clarified.
Meanwhile, the DHQ disclosed that troops have intensified operations across the country, eliminating terrorists, arresting kidnappers, and foiling crude oil theft valued at over N574.7 million in August 2025.
According to Maj-Gen Kangye, “During the encounters, 13 terrorists’ collaborators, informants, and gunrunners, as well as a drug peddler, were arrested. Ammunition, logistics items, illicit drugs, vehicles and motorcycles were also recovered from them, while some IEDs were safely detonated in Adamawa, Gwoza and Mobbar LGAs of the state.”
He added that eight kidnapped victims were rescued in Borno State, while troops continued to dismantle terrorist networks and support the resettlement of displaced persons.
In the North West, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano and Kaduna States. “During the encounters, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and arrested two suspected terrorist accomplices, while eight kidnapped victims were rescued,” Kangye disclosed.
Similar operations in Shinkafi and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara, as well as Isa, Bingi and Tureta LGAs of Sokoto, led to the elimination of terrorists, arrest of 23 suspects, and rescue of six kidnap victims.
In the North Central, troops of Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE neutralised terrorists in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States. “During the firefights, troops killed some of the terrorists, arrested six criminals and rescued two kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered,” he said.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intercepted crude oil theft worth N545.8 million and another N28.8 million in separate operations. A total of 619,236 litres of stolen crude oil, 106,147 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,785 litres of DPK were recovered. Several illegal refining sites were also destroyed.
Maj-Gen Kangye assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity, assisting civil authorities in internal security, and ensuring peace nationwide. He commended troops for their professionalism, courage, and sacrifice in defending the nation.
DHQ to Retired Soldiers: Vacate Finance Ministry Premises, Your Protest Lacks Merit
