“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed his commitment to personally address the retired police officers currently protesting for improved retirement benefits,” the police said in an official statement.
“This assurance was conveyed through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, who met with the retirees and informed them that arrangements have been made for the IGP to meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”
However, amid the retirees’ demands for justice, the police hierarchy alleged that some individuals were attempting to exploit the situation for their agenda.
“However, the peaceful nature of the protest has come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement,” the police warned.
“These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.”
It said, “The Nigeria Police Force urges all genuine stakeholders among the retirees to remain calm, law-abiding, and receptive to the peaceful resolution process already initiated.
“The IGP remains committed to engaging with them constructively and addressing their legitimate concerns with dignity and respect.”
Despite the concerns expressed by the police authorities, the protesters have continued to insist on engaging directly with the IGP, accusing the system of abandoning them after decades of service.
The protesting retirees had earlier rejected drinks and water provided by the police, chanting, “We do not want, we do not want.”
“We are not hungry to the extent of being bribed with drinks and water. What we want is our pension. We want to be treated rightly,” one of the pensioners said.
Another retiree added, “Our years in service cannot be wasted. This is not a drink or water matter. We did not come here as visitors.”
Their agitation centres on the meagre pension payouts offered to them after decades of service. One of the affected retirees, ASP Shuaibu, revealed he was offered only N1.6 million after serving in the police for 35 years.
“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 told Reporters.
“They are treating us badly despite giving our all to the country and serving with all our strength,” he said, adding that he had to reject the money because it was inadequate.
“I rejected the money. What would I do with it?”
‘We’ve Become Gatemen Just To Eat’: Retired Nigerian Policemen Demand Outstanding Payments, Decry PENCOM Scheme
Similarly, SP Agadasu, who retired on March 1, 2016, recounted that he was offered just N1.7 million.
“After I retired, I was offered N1.7 million. What would I do with the money? I regret using all my life serving the Nigerian Police,” he said.
He lamented that many of his colleagues had died or were too ill or poor to participate in the protest. ”
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 to come here today,” he stated.
Agadasu also shared the emotional toll the treatment had taken on his family.
“My son saw how I was treated and refused to join because he believes that he would suffer joining the police,” he said.
As of the time of this report, the IGP, whom the retirees are demanding to meet, had not yet addressed the crowd.
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