RETIRED police officers staged peaceful protests today in Abuja and Jalingo, Taraba State, decrying the poor welfare of both serving and retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
Led by Revolution Now convener Omoyele Sowore, the demonstrators marched through the streets to demand immediate attention from the Federal Government.
The retirees voiced deep frustration over years of neglect, unpaid pensions, and what they termed unfair treatment despite their dedicated service to the nation.
Sowore, speaking at the protest, urged the government to honour the sacrifices of police personnel by prioritising their welfare and implementing necessary reforms.
In Jalingo, Taraba State’s capital, retirees held placards with bold inscriptions such as “Scrap Police Contributory Pension Scheme,” “We Need Our Full Gratuity,” and “Total Exit from the Deadly Pension Scheme,” emphasizing their demand to withdraw from the current contributory pension arrangement.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier instructed all Commissioners of Police to ensure maximum security for the retirees during their protests.
Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi reaffirmed this directive, stressing the importance of protecting the rights of protesting officers and discouraging misinformation about the nationwide demonstrations.
“The IGP has ordered that the rights of our retired officers who have chosen to protest must be protected. The protest should serve as a model of dignified expression of grievance,” Adejobi stated.
The retirees vowed to continue their protests until the government addresses their concerns.