Armed Soldiers, Policemen Block Protesting Retired Military Personnel From Ministry Of Defence Over Unpaid Pensions
19th July, 2026 | News
Soldiers, Police Block Retired Military Personnel from Protesting at Defence Ministry
Armed soldiers and police officers on Wednesday prevented retired military personnel from converging at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, where they had planned to protest the non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions.
The ex-servicemen had gathered as part of their campaign for pension increases arising from salary adjustments approved for serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
However, their planned demonstration was disrupted after heavily armed security personnel were deployed to prevent them from accessing the premises of the ministry.
The retirees reportedly attempted to move towards the ministry to stage their protest, but serving soldiers intervened and blocked their access. The development reportedly resulted in a tense confrontation between the retired and serving military personnel.
Following the initial face-off, additional police officers and soldiers were deployed to the area to prevent the retirees from regrouping or assembling in front of the ministry.
The heavy security presence effectively halted the planned demonstration, although the ex-servicemen reportedly remained at the scene while security operatives maintained the blockade.
The retirees are demanding the implementation of consequential pension adjustments arising from salary increases approved for serving military personnel.
They argue that salary increases granted to serving members of the Armed Forces should result in corresponding adjustments to the pensions and benefits of retired personnel in accordance with existing provisions governing military pensions.
The latest incident reflects growing frustration among retired military personnel over what they describe as the government’s failure to implement the required pension adjustments.
The ex-servicemen have also continued to demand improved welfare, payment of outstanding benefits and other entitlements owed to retired members of the Armed Forces.
They maintain that after years of service to the country, retired military personnel deserve to receive the financial benefits associated with approved salary reviews for serving personnel.
Their attempt to protest at the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday was, however, stopped by the deployment of armed security personnel, preventing them from carrying out their planned demonstration at the location.