By Muhammad Mamman
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to all Commissioners of Police across the nation and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to bolster security arrangements in anticipation of a peaceful protest by retired police officers scheduled for Monday.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the directive in a statement, underscoring the IGP’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of retirees while warning against the dissemination of false narratives surrounding the demonstrations.
In a resolute address on Sunday, Adejobi emphasised that the IGP has ordered comprehensive protection for retired officers exercising their right to protest, ensuring the demonstration exemplifies a dignified expression of grievances. “The IGP is unequivocal in his resolve to protect the rights of our retired colleagues, ensuring their protest serves as a beacon of orderly and respectful dissent,” he stated.
The statement comes amid concerns over deliberate attempts to distort the narrative around the retirees’ grievances, with Adejobi accusing certain individuals of manipulating the situation to undermine the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
“It is deeply regrettable that some actors are exploiting this sensitive welfare issue, seeking to politicise the legitimate concerns of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” he remarked, describing such actions as “disruptive and manipulative.”
Adejobi noted that successive IGPs have supported the retirees’ cause, but progress has been stymied by statutory restrictions, inter-agency complexities, and budgetary limitations.
To ensure the protests remain peaceful, the IGP has instructed Commissioners of Police to deploy intelligence and operational resources to secure the events, particularly in the FCT and other states where formal notifications have been received. The directive includes measures to prevent any disruption by miscreants, political actors, or non-retired agitators, while upholding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The IGP urged all officers to treat their retired colleagues with the utmost respect and to prioritise the protection of lives, public order, and institutional integrity. Adejobi also called on the protesters to maintain decorum and ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful, fostering a constructive dialogue on their welfare concerns
