The Nigeria Police Force has voiced concern over alleged attempts by certain individuals to take advantage of the ongoing protest by retired police officers, who are demanding improved pension and retirement benefits.
The retirees, who began their demonstration at the National Assembly, later moved to the entrance of the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where they have remained despite pleas to vacate the premises.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the police warned that the peaceful nature of the protest is being compromised by external actors who, according to the Force, are inciting the retirees against dialogue and encouraging confrontation.
While affirming the legitimacy of the retirees’ grievances, the police warned against any moves to politicize or destabilize the protest, stating that some individuals with hidden agendas may be trying to manipulate the situation for selfish interests.
“The peaceful nature of the protest has come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement,” the police stated. “These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.”
The Force urged all genuine stakeholders among the retired officers to remain peaceful and open to discussions, assuring that efforts were already underway to find a dignified resolution to their demands.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was said to have pledged to personally address the concerns of the retirees. This commitment was communicated to the protesters by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, who informed them that arrangements had been made for a meeting with the IGP at the Peacekeeping Hall within the Force Headquarters.
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