The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Commissioners of Police across Nigeria to ensure the peaceful conduct of a planned protest by retired police officers scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025. The retirees are demanding improved pension benefits and the withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), citing its failure to provide financial security and dignity in retirement.
In a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the IGP assured adequate security coverage for the protest, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states where formal notice was received. The police will deploy intelligence and operational resources to protect lives, maintain public order, and prevent the protest from being hijacked by miscreants, political actors, or non-retired agitators.
The IGP urged Commissioners to sensitize officers to respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and show utmost respect for their retired colleagues. Adejobi noted that the IGP has engaged extensively with retired officers over the past year, leading some groups to withdraw their support for the protest. He acknowledged that the pension issue, spanning over a decade, has been hampered by legal, fiscal, and administrative challenges despite successive IGPs’ efforts since 2014.
“For those who still choose to proceed, their rights will be protected,” Adejobi stated, emphasizing the NPF’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and exemplary protest. The statement also warned serving officers against being misled by disruptive elements and urged them to uphold the NPF’s values with professionalism and humanity.
The NPF described the protest as “the mother of all peaceful protests” and stressed that it should serve as a national model for dignified expression of grievances and responsible public conduct.
