Armed police officers and soldiers on Wednesday prevented retired military personnel from gathering in front of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, where the ex servicemen had planned to protest over the non implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions.
The retirees had attempted to move towards the ministry as part of their planned demonstration, but additional security personnel were deployed to stop them from assembling at the location.
The development followed an earlier confrontation between serving soldiers and the retired personnel after security operatives moved to prevent the ex servicemen from staging the protest at the ministry.
According to reports from the protest scene, the retirees are demanding the implementation of consequential pension adjustments linked to salary increases approved for serving military personnel.
The protesters argue that the adjustments should also reflect in their pensions, prompting them to mobilise for the demonstration at the Ministry of Defence.
Earlier, soldiers deployed to the ministry moved against the retirees as they attempted to assemble within the premises, leading to a confrontation between the serving and retired military personnel.
The increased security presence eventually prevented the ex servicemen from converging at the front of the ministry as planned.
The situation highlights the retirees’ continued demand for the implementation of pension adjustments and resolution of outstanding welfare concerns affecting former members of the armed forces.
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