Security was heightened at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday as retired military personnel staged a protest over the non-implementation of pension adjustments linked to the recent salary increase for serving military officers.

The demonstration was led by retired Colonel Azubuike Nas under the umbrella of the Military Veterans Association of Nigeria. The veterans are demanding that their pensions be reviewed to reflect the consequential adjustments associated with the new salary structure approved for serving personnel.

Heavy security presence in Abuja

Several security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service and Vehicle Inspection Officers, were deployed around the Defence Ministry and surrounding areas.

Armed soldiers were also positioned at the Defence Headquarters, with security personnel monitoring roads leading to the area to prevent any escalation during the protest.

The deployment affected movement within Abuja, with the heightened security presence contributing to traffic congestion around the city centre.

Veterans demand pension adjustment

The protesting retirees argued that they should not have been excluded from the financial benefits arising from the recent increase in military salaries.

According to the veterans, many of them dedicated 35 years or more to military service and therefore deserve corresponding adjustments to their pensions.

The protest comes after President Bola Tinubu approved a new salary structure for serving military personnel, with the Federal Government saying the measure was intended to strengthen the welfare and effectiveness of personnel operating across various theatres of operations.

Dispute over consequential adjustments

At the centre of the veterans’ grievance is the alleged failure to implement corresponding pension adjustments following the increase in salaries for serving military officers.

The retirees maintain that their long years of service should be taken into consideration when implementing the new remuneration structure.

The protest has consequently drawn significant security attention around the Defence Ministry as authorities work to maintain order while the veterans press their demands.

Security measures affect traffic

With security personnel deployed across the Defence Ministry and Defence Headquarters, motorists in parts of central Abuja experienced increased congestion.

The security operation was aimed at ensuring that the protest did not result in a breakdown of law and order.

The veterans’ demonstration highlights ongoing concerns among retired military personnel over pension welfare and the need for government policies affecting serving officers to adequately address the interests of those who previously served in the armed forces.