The Nigeria Police Force has addressed public concerns over a planned peaceful protest by some retired officers, reaffirming its commitment to their welfare while warning against the politicisation of the issue.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police acknowledged the ongoing agitation by retirees over pension entitlements, particularly demands to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
While recognising that some of the concerns are legitimate, Adejobi expressed concern about what it described as attempts by certain individuals to exploit the situation for political and disruptive purposes.
“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponising the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” he said.
“Their tactics involve twisting facts, inflaming sentiments, and sowing distrust in the public space.”
He noted that the campaign to review police pensions predates the current administration and has been ongoing since 2014.
Despite consistent efforts by successive Inspectors-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, including stakeholder engagements and institutional backing, structural and legislative constraints have prevented a resolution.
According to him, exiting the CPS is a matter beyond the Inspector-General’s authority due to its entrenchment in statutory provisions and inter-agency frameworks.
However, Adejobi said current leadership is pursuing alternative interventions, including the use of internally generated revenue to provide supplementary pension support, as well as mobilising private sector contributions for targeted enhancement programmes.
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“These measures are already being implemented,” the he added, “and reflect a broader, more holistic strategy to address the plight of our retired personnel not just through policy, but through action.”
He clarified that the planned protest scheduled for Monday, 21st July 2025, would not be suppressed.
Rather, it assured participants of their right to peaceful assembly and outlined security arrangements to ensure the protest remains orderly.
Commissioners of Police across the country have been directed to provide protection for demonstrators and prevent hijack attempts by non-retired elements or political actors.
“The protest must not only be peaceful, it must be exemplary — a national model of dignified expression of grievance and responsible public order management,” he said.
Egbetokun urged all officers to handle the situation with maturity, empathy, and professionalism, while warning serving personnel against being misled by external agitators or misinformation.
He emphasised that this moment should be seen as a test of the Force’s discipline, humanity, and institutional values, urging all officers to uphold the dignity of those who once bore the burden of national security with honour.
