“Enough is enough” — Police retirees plan mass protest over delayed payments and poor retirement benefits.

Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force have fixed Monday, April 20, 2026, for a nationwide protest over lingering pension concerns, warning that the action will proceed unless authorities act urgently.

The retirees, operating under the contributory pension scheme, said the protest is intended to highlight persistent delays, disparities, and what they described as inadequate welfare in retirement.
Chairman of the group, Mannir Lawal, stated that the protest would be led by the “original agitators,” who have championed the cause of police retirees for over 15 years.
He explained that the decision followed internal disagreements within the retirees’ movement, distancing his faction from a rival group he claimed lacks broad support and has failed to secure meaningful engagement with lawmakers.
Lawal recalled that the group previously staged a protest in October that lasted about 46 days, leading to initial discussions with government representatives in December. However, he noted that progress stalled, prompting renewed agitation.
He added that although the group had earlier engaged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and was advised to allow time for intervention, members have now resolved to proceed independently.
According to him, the retirees’ grievances are primarily directed at the Federal Government, with the protest aimed at pressing their demands at the highest level.
“We have given enough time, but now we are going ahead with our protest,” Lawal said, insisting the group would not be deterred.
The retirees are seeking reforms to the contributory pension scheme, including improved and timely payments, and in some cases, a complete exit from the system in favour of a more reliable structure.
Meanwhile, some retired officers staged a protest at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, chanting slogans and accusing authorities of neglect and intimidation.
The protesters said their years of service have not translated into a dignified retirement, expressing frustration over continued hardship.
“We served for decades, and now we are left to suffer. Enough is enough,” one retiree said during the protest.
Despite attempts by police leadership to engage the group and prevent escalation, indications suggest the planned nationwide protest may still proceed.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the Police Pension Commission were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.