Retired police officers across Nigeria have announced plans to stage what they call the “mother of all peaceful protests” in Abuja to demand better retirement benefits.

Speaking to ESSENTIAL NEWS, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers, Mannir M. Lawal, said the union has already notified the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, about the planned protest set for July 21.

Lawal explained that retired officers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory will converge on Abuja, first picketing the National Assembly complex before moving to the Force Headquarters.

He lamented the dire situation facing many retired police officers, describing the contributory pension scheme they are under as fraudulent and unjust.

“Many of our members have died, and a lot more are still dying because of extreme poverty. Some are receiving as little as N18,000 monthly. How does one survive on that?” Lawal questioned.

He stressed that the union’s primary demand is to be removed from the contributory pension scheme, which they believe has failed them woefully.

Lawal added, “This peaceful protest is to let the government know that we can no longer keep quiet while our members continue to suffer and die. We served this country faithfully, and we deserve to live the rest of our lives in dignity.”

The protest highlights the growing frustration among retired security personnel who feel abandoned after dedicating years of service to safeguarding the nation. The union is urging the government to urgently review their pension structure to ensure they can live out their retirement without fear of hunger or lack.