The police has declared its support for the planned peaceful protest by retired police officers scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, over lingering pension concerns, while warning against what it described as attempts by political actors and misinformation peddlers to hijack the agitation for disruptive purposes.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police clarified its position on the planned demonstration, affirming that the protest would be protected and respected as a constitutional right, particularly for those who have “once borne the burden of national security with courage and honour.”
The statement noted that while the protest stems from legitimate welfare concerns, “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 the weaponisation of the issue by certain actors who it accused of inflaming public sentiment and politicising the struggles of retired police personnel for ulterior motives.
“Their intent is not reform, but disruption,” the statement read. “These actions do a disservice not only to our noble institution but to the integrity of public discourse in our country.”
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While acknowledging the longstanding demand to exit the contributory pension scheme, the police noted that the issue predates the current administration and cannot be resolved solely by the inspector-general of police due to “entrenched legal provisions, fiscal limitations, and administrative bottlenecks.”
According to the force, expert projections show that as the contributory pension scheme matures, benefits for retirees are expected to improve. Those retiring within the next five years may receive more favourable outcomes compared to past beneficiaries.
To mitigate immediate hardships, the current police leadership has initiated alternative welfare strategies.
These include using internally generated revenue to provide supplementary pension support and engaging the private sector for pension enhancement schemes targeted at retirees.
“These interventions are already underway,” the statement said, adding that the Federal Government has also been “sensitised” on the matter and appropriate responses are awaited.
The inspector-general of police has therefore directed commissioners of police across the country, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and states where notice has been given, to ensure that the protest proceeds peacefully.
Security operatives are to provide adequate protection for retirees, guard against hijack by miscreants, and treat participants with dignity.
“This protest must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary,” the IGP was quoted as saying.
“It should stand as a national model for dignified expression of grievance and responsible public order management.”
While reiterating that the Nigeria Police Force remains both professional and humane, the statement warned serving officers not to be misled by individuals attempting to “manipulate or disrupt the protest under the guise of solidarity.”
The force concluded by urging all personnel to uphold the dignity of the police institution and approach the situation with restraint, maturity, and utmost respect for retired colleagues.
