Security Tightens As Retired Soldiers Protest Unpaid Pension In Abuja

A heavy security presence has been deployed around the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja as retired military personnel prepare to stage a protest over the alleged failure to implement corresponding pension increases following salary adjustments for serving officers.

According to IReporter Online, security operatives from the Nigerian military, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Corps were deployed around the area ahead of the planned demonstration.

At least three military Armoured Personnel Carriers were reportedly stationed around the ministry, while more than 18 vehicles belonging to various security agencies were seen positioned at strategic locations surrounding the protest venue.

Armed soldiers were also observed patrolling the area and taking up positions along roads leading to the ministry, with the security operation reportedly causing traffic congestion around the vicinity.

The protest had yet to commence as of the time of reporting, but the retired officers insisted that they would proceed with the demonstration, declaring that there was “no going back” on their demand.

The retirees are protesting what they described as the failure of authorities to implement consequential adjustments to their pensions after salary increases were approved for serving military personnel.

The development follows the approval of a new salary structure for serving members of the Armed Forces by President Bola Tinubu, a measure aimed at improving the welfare and operational effectiveness of military personnel.

However, retired officers argued that they should also benefit from corresponding adjustments after dedicating decades of service to the country.

A retired Master Warrant Officer, who spoke anonymously, alleged that the Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, had been willing to engage with the retirees but was being prevented from doing so by individuals around him.

The retired officer described Musa as someone who was concerned about the welfare of serving and retired personnel but expressed disappointment over what he called interference by people within the ministry.

He said the protest was necessary to draw attention to the retirees’ grievances and demand what they considered fair treatment.

Another protester, retired Colonel Innocent Azubike, said the demonstration was focused on securing what he described as the constitutional pension rights of retired military personnel.

Azubike claimed that President Tinubu approved a salary increase for serving military officers in November 2025 and that the decision was expected to result in a corresponding adjustment for pensioners.

According to him, senior military authorities initially acknowledged the presidential approval and publicly appreciated the gesture, but the corresponding pension adjustment had allegedly not been implemented.

He expressed frustration over what he described as changing explanations from authorities in recent months, insisting that the retirees would continue pressing their demands until the matter was addressed.

The retired officers maintained that after spending several decades serving the nation, they deserved to benefit from the improved remuneration approved for their serving counterparts.