Pension Anger: Security Operatives Stop Ex-Servicemen at Defence Ministry

There was tension in Abuja on Wednesday as armed police officers and soldiers prevented retired military personnel from accessing the frontage of the Ministry of Defence during a protest over unpaid pension adjustments.

The ex-servicemen had gathered to demand the implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following salary increases approved for serving military personnel.
As the retirees attempted to move towards the ministry, security personnel formed a barricade to prevent them from assembling at the proposed protest venue.
The standoff reportedly escalated into a confrontation between some serving soldiers and the retired personnel, prompting the deployment of additional security operatives to contain the situation.
Despite the security presence, the retirees remained determined to press their demands, insisting that pension adjustments linked to approved salary increases for serving military personnel should also be implemented for them.
The protest comes amid growing frustration among military retirees over what they describe as prolonged delays in addressing their entitlements.