The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a nationwide directive mandating all Commissioners of Police, including those in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to guarantee optimal security for the upcoming peaceful demonstration by retired police personnel.
This announcement was made in an official statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi. He clarified that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to protecting the rights of its retired members who intend to engage in a peaceful protest scheduled to take place across various states on Monday.
Adejobi emphasized that the protest must be allowed to proceed without interference, and that the event should reflect a “model of dignified expression of grievance,” highlighting the need for civility and respect during the demonstration.
He also cautioned the public and media against spreading misleading information about the protest, noting that some groups were deliberately misrepresenting the motives behind the demonstration in order to discredit the Federal Government and cast aspersions on the current leadership of the police force.
According to Adejobi, the call by retired police officers to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is not a new issue. He pointed out that previous Inspectors-General of Police had also supported this advocacy, but progress has been stalled by legal limitations, administrative obstacles among government agencies, and budgetary challenges.
He further criticized individuals attempting to use the situation for political gain, describing such actions as both “disruptive and manipulative.” Adejobi said, “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.”
As a response, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police across all states to not only monitor and secure the protests but to also remain vigilant in preventing any attempt by hoodlums, political agents, or unrelated agitators to hijack the event. Officers are to uphold the protesters’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and are encouraged to treat their retired colleagues with utmost respect and dignity.
In addition to security deployment, the IGP has also ordered that CPs mobilize intelligence and operational resources to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and preserve the integrity of the police institution throughout the protest.
Adejobi concluded by urging retired officers participating in the protest to maintain a peaceful approach and demonstrate discipline, ensuring that their actions reflect the honour and values associated with their years of service.
What you should know
The IGP has directed all police commands to ensure maximum protection during the nationwide protest by retired officers. He condemned attempts to politicize the retirees’ pension concerns and emphasized the right to peaceful assembly.
The Nigeria Police Force assured that intelligence and operational support would be deployed to safeguard the protests and prevent any unlawful disruptions.
