The Inspector‑General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has instructed all Commissioners of Police nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory, to ensure top‑security measures for the upcoming peaceful demonstration by retired police officers.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasised that the retirees’ constitutional right to protest must be fully upheld.
The Force Public Relations Officer warned against circulating false narratives aimed at discrediting the Federal Government and destabilising the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
ACP Adejobi said calls for withdrawal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have been ongoing for years, with earlier IGPs supporting the retirees’ stance. However, progress has been stalled due to statutory, inter-agency, and financial challenges.
The Police PRO, responding to what he termed attempts by some to politicise the protests, described them 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 complained.
Mr Egbetokun has directed Commissioners to not only provide robust security but also to sensitise serving officers on the right to peaceful assembly and to prevent any hijacking of the protest by political agitators or miscreants.
Also, serving personnel have been urged to treat retired officers with the utmost respect while deploying intelligence and operational capabilities to safeguard lives, uphold public order and strengthen institutional integrity.
The statement called on retirees to ensure their protest remains peaceful and exemplary, embodying dignified expression of grievance.
RN
