The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed all state Commissioners of Police to ensure the peaceful conduct of a planned nationwide protest by retired police officers scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025.
The retired officers are demanding improved pension entitlements and the withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they claim has failed to guarantee their financial security and dignity in retirement.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP emphasized the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and tasked Commissioners of Police—particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other notified states—with ensuring maximum security during the protest.
“The IGP has directed that adequate security coverage be provided to protect lives and property, prevent any hijack of the protest by miscreants or political actors, and uphold the right of retired officers to express their grievances peacefully,” the statement read.
Commissioners of Police are also expected to sensitize personnel under their command on the importance of showing utmost respect to their retired colleagues, while deploying intelligence and operational resources to maintain public order and safeguard the institution’s integrity.
Adejobi noted that the IGP has held several engagements with retired officers over the past year, leading some groups to withdraw from the planned protest. He added that the pension challenge dates back to 2014 and that successive police leaderships have made efforts to resolve it.
“Since 2014, successive IGPs have shown empathy, engaged key stakeholders, and advocated reforms. Yet, legal hurdles, fiscal constraints, and administrative delays have hindered the expected resolution,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, the IGP reaffirmed his support for the rights of those still committed to the protest. “We will provide security for our retired colleagues to ensure their voices are heard and their protest remains peaceful and exemplary.”
The Force also warned serving officers to avoid being misled by disruptive influences, urging them to uphold professionalism, wisdom, and unwavering respect for their predecessors.
Described by its organisers as “the mother of all peaceful protests,” the demonstration is expected to serve as a model of dignified civic expression.
“The NPF must show by conduct and command that we are both professional and humane,” the statement concluded.
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