The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has raised concerns over attempts by unnamed individuals to hijack the peaceful protests staged by retired police officers across parts of the country.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the NPF said certain elements were urging the aggrieved retirees to abandon peaceful dialogue in favour of confrontation and disorder.
“The peaceful nature of the protest has come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement,” the statement read. “These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.”
The Police urged all genuine stakeholders among the retirees to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasising that the Force was committed to a peaceful resolution of their concerns.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed his willingness to engage with the protesting retirees. According to the Force, the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) met with the demonstrators and informed them that the IGP would hold a meeting with them at the Peacekeeping Hall of the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Retired officers had taken to the streets in Abuja and Jalingo, Taraba State, earlier on Monday to demand improved welfare and pensions, citing years of neglect.
The Abuja protest was notably joined by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, who called on the Federal Government to urgently address the welfare concerns of both serving and retired police officers.