PHOTOS: Police, soldiers block ex-servicemen from protesting at defence ministry

Armed police officers and soldiers blocking the protesters from demonstrating in front of Ministry of Defence in Abuja. Credit: Solomon Odeniyi

Armed police and soldiers on Wednesday blocked retired military personnel from converging in front of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, where the ex-servicemen had gathered to protest the non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions.

The protesters had attempted to move towards the front of the ministry as part of their planned demonstration, but more security personnel were mobilised to prevent them from assembling at the location.

The development followed an earlier confrontation between serving soldiers and the retired military personnel after security operatives attempted to stop the ex-servicemen from staging their protest in front of the ministry.

• Heavy security as military retirees protest pension adjustment
• Army arrests 18 illegal miners, recovers N2.4m in Niger
• Soldiers rescue 14 kidnapped victims in Katsina

The retirees are demanding the implementation of consequential pension adjustments arising from salary increases approved for serving military personnel.

Earlier, soldiers deployed to the ministry had moved against the protesters as they attempted to assemble at the premises, resulting in a confrontation between the serving and retired personnel.

The heavy security presence subsequently prevented the ex-servicemen from converging at the front of the ministry as planned.

Solomon Odeniyi is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over six years of professional experience. He has covered key national beats including the judiciary, military, and police, and currently reports on anti-corruption and related issues. Solomon’s work reflects a strong commitment to development-oriented reporting, public interest journalism, and accountability.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.