IG assures security for retired police pension protest, warns against political hijack

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has pledged full security support for retired police officers planning a nationwide protest over pension concerns, while warning against the politicisation of their genuine grievances.

In a statement released on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned attempts by some individuals to exploit the retirees’ agitation for selfish or disruptive ends.

“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,” Adejobi said.

“Their intent is not reform, but disruption. Their tactics involve twisting facts, inflaming sentiments, and sowing distrust in the public space. These actions do a disservice not only to our noble institution but to the integrity of public discourse in our country.”

The peaceful protest, which organisers have dubbed “the mother of all peaceful protests,” is set to take place on Monday, July 21, 2025, in Abuja and across various states.

The IGP has directed **Commissioners of Police across the country to ensure that officers protect the rights of the protesting retirees while safeguarding public order. He also emphasized the importance of preventing any hijack of the demonstration by political actors, miscreants, or individuals outside the police community.

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“The Inspector-General of Police has directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the peaceful conduct of the protest within their jurisdictions, especially in the FCT and other states where formal notice has been received,” Adejobi stated.

“Provide adequate security coverage to our retired colleagues who have chosen to publicly express their grievances; prevent any hijack of the protest by miscreants, political actors, or non-retired agitators; sensitise officers and men under their command on the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, and the obligation to show utmost respect to our retired colleagues; while deploying intelligence and operational resources to protect lives, maintain public order, and safeguard institutional integrity.”

The IGP also urged all protesters to uphold peace and discipline during the demonstration, adding that the event must set a standard for public expression.

“The Inspector-General of Police charges all officers to note that this protest, described as ‘the mother of all peaceful protests’, must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary,” Adejobi said.

“We must show, by conduct and command, that the Nigeria Police Force is both professional and humane. He further reiterates that this is more than a directive; it is a call to institutional responsibility, a test of our maturity, our values, and our discipline.”

Addressing the root of the protest, the Force spokesperson noted that the retirees’ demand to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is longstanding and supported by past and current police leaderships.

“The agitation for improved police pensions, particularly the call for exit from the CPS, is not a recent development. It has spanned over a decade,” Adejobi explained.

“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; not for lack of will, but due to entrenched legal provisions, fiscal limitations, and administrative bottlenecks.”

Despite those challenges, Adejobi said the current police leadership is working on innovative ways to support retirees in the short and medium term. These include leveraging internally generated revenue and seeking private sector collaborations to improve pension outcomes.

He also shared that as the pension scheme matures, future retirees are expected to benefit from significantly better payouts, according to expert projections.

The IGP reiterated the Force’s commitment to the welfare of its retired personnel, promising continued advocacy and reforms to ensure they receive the dignity and support they deserve.

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