The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered all Commissioners of Police nationwide, including in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to ensure full security support for retired officers planning a peaceful protest.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement, cautioning the public against spreading false information regarding the planned demonstrations set to hold nationwide on Monday.
“The IGP has ordered that the rights of our retired officers who have chosen to protest must be protected, and the protest should serve as a model of dignified expression of grievance,” the Force spokesman said on Sunday.
Adejobi, who holds the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, noted that some narratives were being deliberately distorted to discredit the Federal Government and undermine the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
He clarified that the call by retirees to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme was not new and had previously received support from past IGPs, though progress was stalled due to statutory limitations, inter-agency challenges, and financial constraints.
He condemned attempts by certain individuals to politicise the welfare demands of the retirees, describing such moves as “disruptive and manipulative.”
“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponising the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” he said.
The IGP has also instructed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the protest remains peaceful, particularly in areas where formal notification has been received. Officers are expected to provide adequate protection for the retirees, prevent any hijack of the demonstration by miscreants or political elements, and educate personnel on the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
CPs were further urged to treat protesting retirees with utmost respect while deploying necessary intelligence and operational measures to safeguard public safety and institutional order.
Adejobi appealed to all protesters to maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere throughout the demonstration.