POLICE, SOLDIERS STOP EX-SERVICEMEN’S PENSION PROTEST IN ABUJA

A planned protest by retired military personnel over unpaid pension adjustments was disrupted on Wednesday after armed police officers and soldiers blocked them from gathering in front of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

The ex-servicemen had converged in the area to demand the implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions, which they said were linked to salary increases approved for serving military personnel.

The retirees attempted to move towards the front of the ministry to begin their demonstration, but security personnel were mobilised to stop them from assembling at the location.

The situation reportedly led to a confrontation between the retired military personnel and serving soldiers deployed to the ministry.

As the protest continued to draw attention, more armed security officers were brought in, effectively preventing the retirees from reaching the ministry’s frontage.

The pension issue has become a major concern among military retirees, who have repeatedly called on the Federal Government to implement the adjustments and improve their welfare.

The protesters maintain that they deserve the same consideration given to serving personnel following approved salary increases.

The heavy security presence, however, meant that the ex-servicemen could not carry out their planned demonstration at the ministry as intended.

The development has once again highlighted the growing frustration among retired military personnel over delays in addressing their pension demands.

The retirees are expected to continue pressing the government for the implementation of the outstanding adjustments and other welfare-related demands.