Military Pensioners Protest In Abuja Over Unpaid Pension Increase

Military pensioners on Wednesday protested in Abuja over the federal government’s failure to implement pension increases arising from salary adjustments approved for serving military personnel.

The retirees gathered at the Ministry of Defence to demand the implementation of the consequential adjustments to their pensions.

However, armed police officers and soldiers blocked the pensioners from converging in front of the ministry, where they had planned to stage their demonstration.

The development followed an earlier confrontation between serving soldiers and the retired personnel after security operatives attempted to stop the pensioners from assembling at the ministry.

The retirees had moved towards the front of the ministry when additional security personnel were mobilised to prevent them from gathering at the location.

Our correspondent who arrived at the venue at about 8am observed personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service and Vehicle Inspection Officers deployed around the protest area.

At least two armoured personnel carriers and more than 15 vehicles belonging to the police, Army, Immigration Service and VIO were stationed at both ends of the roads around the protest venue.

The pensioners are demanding the implementation of consequential pension adjustments linked to salary increases granted to serving military personnel.

The heavy security presence prevented the retirees from assembling at the front of the ministry as planned.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Ministry of Defence nor the Military Pensions Board had responded to the pensioners’ demands.

The pensioners remained at the venue as they pressed their demand for the implementation of the outstanding pension adjustments.

Details later.