Amid growing tensions over police pension entitlements, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to the concerns raised by retired officers planning a peaceful demonstration, describing the protest as legitimate and promising full security coverage for participants.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police expressed concern over the “misinformation, emotional manipulation, and calculated distortions” that have trailed the issue, warning against the politicisation of the welfare struggles of its former personnel.
“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponizing the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” the statement read.
The police acknowledged that agitation for improved pensions and the call to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has persisted for over a decade. According to the Force, the matter is more complex than many realise, involving legal constraints and bureaucratic processes beyond the powers of the Inspector-General.
“Since 2014, successive Inspectors-General of Police have demonstrated empathy, engaged critical stakeholders, and provided institutional support for this cause. Yet, despite these earnest efforts, the desired outcome has remained elusive… due to entrenched legal provisions, fiscal limitations, and administrative bottlenecks,” the statement said.
The NPF maintained that while the leadership supports the concerns of retired officers in principle, it is also exploring alternative solutions to ease their burden. These include leveraging revenues generated by the police and securing private-sector support to enhance pension benefits.
“These interventions are already underway and reflect a broader, more holistic strategy to elevate the welfare of our retired personnel… The Federal government has been sensitized enough and appropriate responses are being awaited,” the police stated.
While the statement made clear that the Force is not attempting to suppress the planned protest, it underscored its commitment to safeguarding participants and preventing any external disruption.
“The protest is scheduled to take place on Monday, 21st July 2025, primarily within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and any other State Command where prior notification has been duly given.”
To that end, the Inspector-General of Police has directed Commissioners across the country to provide security support and ensure the peaceful conduct of the event. Officers have been tasked with protecting the rights of the protesters, preventing infiltration by non-retired elements, and ensuring discipline in handling the process.
“This protest, described as ‘the mother of all peaceful protests,’ must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary, and as such should stand as a national model for dignified expression of grievance and responsible public order management,” the statement added.
The Force also warned serving officers against aligning with disruptive elements, urging them to uphold professional standards and respect the sacrifices of those who served before them.
The statement concludes with a call for restraint, maturity, and dignity as the nation prepares to witness what may become a turning point in the welfare conversation for retired security operatives.
