Tension erupted in Abuja on Wednesday after security operatives prevented retired military personnel from staging a protest at the Ministry of Defence over unresolved pension adjustments.
The retirees had gathered to demand the implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following salary increases approved for serving members of the armed forces.
They argued that pensioners should benefit from corresponding adjustments whenever the salaries of serving military personnel are reviewed upward.
However, the planned demonstration was disrupted after armed police officers and soldiers were deployed around the Ministry of Defence to stop the retirees from accessing the premises.
The situation reportedly escalated when the retired personnel attempted to move towards the front of the ministry, leading to a confrontation with serving soldiers stationed at the location.
One of the protesters expressed frustration over the heavy security presence, questioning why retired soldiers who had served the country were being prevented from making their demands.
“When I was at the frontline, I was not afraid of guns, so who is scaring me here? We are also fighting for you people. It’s a good day to die,” the retired serviceman reportedly said.
Earlier, soldiers deployed to the ministry had moved to disperse the retirees as they attempted to gather within the premises.
Additional security personnel, including armed police officers and soldiers, were subsequently mobilised to reinforce the area and prevent the protesters from reaching the ministry’s entrance.
The retirees were ultimately unable to hold the demonstration at their intended location.
The protest highlights the continuing grievances among retired military personnel over their welfare, particularly the implementation of pension adjustments linked to salary increases for serving members of the armed forces.
The retirees are demanding that the government address the issue and ensure that pension benefits are adjusted accordingly
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