Protest: Police Urges For Restraint, Vows Support For Retired Officers

The Nigeria Police Force says it is aware of the planned protest by some retired officers over pension-related grievances and has assured that their rights to peaceful assembly will be respected.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police expressed concern about what it described as attempts by some individuals to politicise the issue and distort facts to discredit the government and undermine the leadership of the Force.

The protest, which is scheduled to hold on Monday, July 21, primarily in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states where notice has been given, is being organised by retired officers agitating for exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The Force acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns, saying it has been a long-standing issue dating back over a decade.

Adejobi said successive Inspectors-General of Police have consistently shown empathy and supported the demand to exit the scheme. He, however, noted that the challenge lies beyond the control of the police hierarchy, as it is embedded in existing laws, administrative processes, and financial realities.

He stated that expert assessments indicate the pension scheme will yield better benefits over time, adding that those retiring in the next few years are projected to receive significantly higher pension payments than current retirees.

The current leadership of the Force, he said, is pursuing a two-pronged approach—supporting the agitation in principle while seeking innovative alternatives to address immediate welfare concerns. These include the use of internally generated revenues to supplement pensions and partnerships with the private sector to establish support schemes.

While emphasising that the statement was not intended to suppress the protest, the police said its leadership had engaged with several retired officers over the past year, some of whom had since withdrawn from the protest after being briefed on ongoing efforts.

The Inspector-General of Police has directed Commissioners of Police in relevant states to ensure adequate security and prevent any hijack of the protest by non-retired persons or political actors. He also urged police officers to treat the retirees with respect and professionalism.

Serving officers were cautioned not to be misled into joining the protest, with the Force warning against behaviour that could undermine discipline and the integrity of the police institution.

The Inspector-General described the upcoming protest as a defining moment and a test of the institution’s maturity, urging all personnel to manage it with wisdom, restraint, and respect for those who served before them.