Retired Police Officers Announce Nationwide Peaceful Protests Over Pension Scheme
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have announced plans to embark on a nationwide peaceful protest on July 21, 2025, to demand the exit of the Nigeria Police Force from the controversial pension system.
The planned demonstration, which the retirees have labelled the “Mother of All Peaceful Protests," was announced by the Kaduna State chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers in a statement signed by its Chairman, Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mannir M. Lawal Zaria, and Vice Chairman, Retired Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Danlami Maigamo.
OTN News observes that the announcement followed the union’s monthly meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna.
According to the union, the current CPS arrangement has subjected retired police officers to severe financial hardship, economic indignity, and a disturbing increase in depression and premature deaths among members.
“We have no option but to embark on another peaceful protest tagged ‘Mother of All Peaceful Protests’ on July 21, 2025,” the statement read.
“As law-abiding citizens, we shall continue to pursue our demand for the Nigeria Police to be exited from the CPS through peaceful means until our voices are heard.” the statement added.
The union confirmed that the protests will occur simultaneously across all 36 states of the federation, emphasizing that their actions will be entirely non-violent and within the boundaries of the law.
OTN News observes that the planned protest follows a previous demonstration held between February 24 and March 3, 2025, at the National Assembly in Abuja, during which the Kaduna and Bauchi chapters of the union submitted petitions to five key offices, including the Senate and House committees overseeing police affairs, and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Despite those efforts, the retirees expressed frustration at the lack of response from the National Assembly, particularly regarding the outcome of a public hearing on the Police Pension Board Bill conducted on November 19, 2024.
“We are deeply disappointed by the deafening silence of the National Assembly,” the union said, warning that the government’s continued inaction is deepening a sense of neglect among those who once risked their lives to protect the country.
Reiterating their commitment to peaceful advocacy, the union distanced itself from any groups planning violent protests, stressing that their agitation stems from legitimate demands for justice, fairness, and dignity in retirement.
“The establishment of an independent Police Pension Board remains the only viable and lasting solution to the injustice embedded in the current pension structure,” the retirees declared.
OTN News, however, observes that with tensions rising and support growing among former police personnel nationwide, the July 21 protests are expected to bring renewed attention to the long-standing grievances over police pension reform.
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