Chaos In The Ranks! Police Say Retired Officers’ Pension Protest Was Hijacked

The Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns over what it described as a calculated attempt by certain individuals to hijack the peaceful protest currently being staged by retired police officers demanding improved retirement benefits.

The protesting retirees, who initially assembled at the National Assembly, proceeded to block the main entrance to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Despite pleas from authorities, they have refused to vacate the premises.

According to iReporter Online, the police issued a statement via their official X handle on Monday, warning that the integrity of the demonstration was being compromised by external actors with hidden agendas.

These individuals are allegedly encouraging the retirees to resist peaceful dialogue and instead escalate the situation through confrontation and disorder.

While reaffirming the legitimacy of the retirees’ grievances, the police cautioned against manipulation by politically motivated elements seeking to exploit the protest.

According to iReporter Online, the authorities insisted that some agitators are deliberately steering the retirees away from peaceful engagement and promoting chaos.

The statement read in part: “The peaceful nature of the protest has come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement. These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.”

The police urged all genuine retirees involved in the protest to remain calm, law-abiding, and open to ongoing peaceful resolution efforts. They reiterated that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, remains fully committed to addressing their concerns with respect and empathy.

According to iReporter Online, the IGP has assured the protesting retirees that he will personally meet with them to hear their demands. This commitment was conveyed through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, who informed the retirees that arrangements had been made for the meeting to take place at the Peacekeeping Hall within the Force Headquarters.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”