Amid growing frustration over unresolved pension concerns, retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have announced plans to embark on a nationwide demonstration, which they have boldly dubbed the “Mother of All Peaceful Protests.” The protest is scheduled to take place across all 36 states on July 21, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Kaduna State chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers in a statement jointly 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, following their monthly meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kaduna.
The retirees are demanding the immediate removal of the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS, a system they claim has left them in financial distress and social disrepair. According to the union, the current pension structure has led to widespread economic hardship, rising depression, and increasing deaths among retired police personnel.
“With no positive response from the authorities, we are left with no option but to stage another peaceful protest,” the statement read. “This will be the Mother of All Peaceful Protests, and it will be held simultaneously in all states of the federation.”
Reaffirming their commitment to non-violence, the union stressed that their protest would remain within the boundaries of the law, as they continue to push for the establishment of an independent Police Pension Board as a permanent solution to what they call “systemic injustice” in the current pension regime.
The statement also reflected on an earlier protest held between February 24 and March 3, 2025, at the National Assembly by retirees from Kaduna and Bauchi States. During that protest, petitions were submitted to five key offices, including the chairmen of relevant Senate and House committees and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, the group expressed dismay over the lack of feedback from the National Assembly, particularly following the public hearing on the Police Pension Board Bill held on November 19, 2024.
“The silence from the authorities is deafening,” the union said. “Yet, we remain committed to lawful engagement and will not associate with any group planning violent protests.”
As the July 21 date approaches, the retired officers say their demand remains clear: the Nigeria Police Force must be exempted from the CPS, and a specialized pension board must be created to cater to their welfare with dignity and fairness.
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