There is palpable tension at the Nigerian Police Headquarters as police retirees have vowed to remain on the premises until the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, addresses them.
According to the protesting retired officers, they have been treated poorly and offered meagre pensions.
The retirees, who stormed the Force Headquarters in large numbers on Monday, told Reporters that despite serving the country for 35 years, they are struggling to feed.
One of the affected officers, who identified himself as ASP Shuaibu, noted that after three and a half decades of service, he was offered only N1.6 million as a pension.
“I worked for the Nigerian police for 35 years just for them to offer me N1.6 million after retirement. I retired 12 years ago,” he said.
“They are treating us badly despite giving our all to the country and serving with all our strength.”
He told SaharaReporters that he rejected the amount when he saw how little it was.
“I rejected the money. What would I do with it?”
Another affected officer, SP Agadasu, told Reporters that he was offered N1.7 million after retiring on March 1, 2016.
“After I retired, I was offered N1.7 million. What would I do with the money? I regret using all my life to serve the Nigerian police,” he noted.
He added that they were never informed that such a small amount would be paid to them after retirement.
“We were not told that after retiring, we would receive such an amount. Many of the retired officers are dead. Many are sick. Some do not even have transportation fare to come here today,” he told SaharaReporters.
The aggrieved retiree also said his son, who once considered joining the police, later declined after witnessing his father’s plight.
“My son saw how I was treated and refused to join because he believes that he would suffer if he joins the police,” the protesters said.
As of the time of this report, despite the large number of police retirees present at the Force Headquarters, the IGP has yet to address the protesters.
A heavy police presence is currently stationed at the headquarters, with officers positioned at strategic points.
About the Author
