Nigerians have taken to X to react after a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Isiaka Ayole, reportedly received N2.1 million as gratuity after spending 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force.
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Key Highlights
- Retired DSP Isiaka Ayole reportedly received N2.1 million as gratuity after 35 years in the police.
- He retired on June 13, 2026, at 60, and alleges 24 months of pension contributions are missing.
- He joined the police as a constable in 1991.
- X users are divided: some blame poor police welfare, others point to alleged misconduct by officers.
- The case has renewed debate on police pensions and retirement benefits.
Ayole, who retired on June 13, 2026, at the age of 60, reportedly raised concerns over discrepancies in his pension records, alleging that 24 months of his pension contributions were missing from the system.
The retired officer joined the police as a constable in 1991 and rose through the ranks to become a deputy superintendent of police.
‘Security supposed to be number one’
Reacting to the development on X, @Mralgorith7 criticised the government’s treatment of security personnel, arguing that poor welfare could affect the country’s security system.
“This is the reason our security system keep getting worse. Nigeria governments are not encouraging the security operation. These people play important role in the country but yet! nothing to show for it. Security supposed to be number one in every country,” the user wrote.
Similarly, @Ahmadls89277020 advised parents against encouraging their children and relatives to join the police, citing poor salaries, inadequate equipment and welfare challenges.
The user wrote: “Please parents stop allowing ur children your family members your close ally or associate stop allowing them to join the police until they do the needful.”
The X user also questioned how an officer could spend 35 years in service and receive what was described as a meagre retirement package.
Others point to checkpoints, protests
However, @raylex04 offered a different perspective, making an allegation about police officers’ conduct while in service.
“Calculate all the money you take for checkpoint, boys wey you carry go POS, bail money wey you chop, sum all together, thats about 53 million naira which is supposed to be ur gratuity. The state had to do thier deduction,” the user wrote.
Another user, @anirebest, expressed disbelief at the amount, questioning what the retired officer could afford after decades of service. “You can’t even afford a corolla after 35yrs of active service,” the user commented.
Meanwhile, @mathewakinyele questioned whether Nigerians should sympathise with the retired officer, referencing the alleged use of force against citizens during protests.
“Dear DSP, How did you use your uniform when you were in service? Please, citizens cannot intervene now because when Nigerians took to the streets to protest for a better country, you were among those who used tear gas against them, allegedly acting on the orders of politicians,” the user wrote.
The same user added that Nigerians who were now being asked to intervene had previously been treated as enemies for demanding better governance.
Read also:
- Retired police officers block Aso Rock gate, demand assent to Police Pension Exit Bill
- NUJ, Police Pensions seek media collaboration to address pension misinformation
- FG approves 100% Gratuity for retiring Civil Servants as NLC applauds landmark welfare reform
Also reacting, @Ossydcruz linked the controversy to public perceptions of police officers, writing, “Na why police go first ask young boys, where them see money to buy car and iPhones.”
Similarly, @OmojomiO1 urged serving police officers to support citizens’ demands for better governance, recalling how protesters were allegedly tear-gassed during demonstrations.
“I hope other police officers sees this and let us fight for a better Nigeria,” the user stated.
The reactions have renewed conversations about police welfare, retirement benefits, accountability and the challenges confronting personnel who spend decades serving the country.
Ayole’s appeal has also drawn attention to the importance of transparent pension records and proper payment of retirement entitlements to former security personnel.
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