Soldiers block ex-servicemen’s pension protest at Defence Ministry [VIDEO]

Armed police and soldiers on Wednesday, August 19, prevented retired military personnel from gathering at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, where they had planned to protest the non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions.

Security personnel reportedly took positions around the ministry from about 8:00 a.m., with personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, Immigration Service and Vehicle Inspection Officers deployed to the area.

At least two armoured personnel carriers and more than 15 security vehicles were also reportedly stationed around the ministry as authorities moved to prevent the planned demonstration.

The retirees, led by retired Colonel Innocent Azubike, are demanding the implementation of pension adjustments arising from salary increases approved for serving military personnel.

The ex-servicemen said they had yet to receive the pension adjustment linked to the salary increase implemented in November 2025.

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They are also concerned about another salary increase announced this month for serving military personnel, which is scheduled to take effect in September.

According to the retirees, the continued failure to adjust their pensions in line with increases granted to serving personnel has created financial difficulties for pensioners who served in the nation’s armed forces.

The planned protest was intended to draw attention to what the retirees consider prolonged government inaction and to demand clarity on when the outstanding adjustments would be paid.

The heavy deployment of security personnel around the Ministry of Defence effectively prevented the retirees from assembling at the planned venue.

The development is likely to renew concerns over the growing frustration among retired military personnel over pension-related issues, particularly the demand that pension benefits should reflect consequential adjustments arising from improvements in the salaries of serving personnel.

The retirees are expected to continue pressing the government for the implementation of the outstanding adjustments and a clear timeline for payment.