The Nigeria Police Force has responded to planned demonstrations by retired police officers expected to take place on Monday, July 21, 2025, over pension concerns, stating that the agitation for exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is a long-standing issue and not a recent development.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, acknowledged the scheduled protest and noted that while some grievances are genuine, others have been “marred by misinformation, emotional manipulation, and calculated distortions.”

“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponizing the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” Adejobi said.

According to him, the motive of some protest organisers “is not reform, but disruption,” accusing them of “twisting facts, inflaming sentiments, and sowing distrust in the public space.”

He stated that the police leadership remains focused on the core issue—retired officers’ welfare—and acknowledged that the demand to exit the CPS has persisted since 2014, with successive Inspectors-General supporting the cause.

“Despite earnest efforts, the desired outcome has remained elusive; not for lack of will, but due to entrenched legal provisions, fiscal limitations, and administrative bottlenecks,” Adejobi said. “Exiting the scheme lies beyond the remit of any Inspector-General.”

Adejobi noted that projections show future police retirees may benefit more from the CPS than current ones, as the scheme matures. “The longer one remains in the scheme, the less likely they are to experience the same pension challenges,” he said.

He revealed that the current police leadership is adopting a dual-track strategy—supporting the agitation in principle while pursuing alternative solutions such as using internally generated revenue and private sector partnerships to support pension enhancements.

“These interventions are already underway,” he said, adding that the Federal Government has been sensitized and responses are being awaited.

He clarified that the police statement is not intended to suppress the protest but reflects the leadership’s willingness to engage. “Several groups have since withdrawn their support for the protest, having appreciated the direction of current efforts.”

Adejobi said the police would ensure a peaceful demonstration, particularly in Abuja and other locations where proper notice has been given. Commissioners of Police have been directed to provide security, prevent hijack by miscreants, and ensure officers under their command respect the rights of retirees.

He described the protest as “the mother of all peaceful protests” and said it should serve as a national model for responsible public order management.

“The Inspector-General of Police charges all officers to note that this protest must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary,” he said. “This is more than a directive; it is a call to institutional responsibility, a test of our maturity, our values, and our discipline.”

He cautioned serving officers not to be misled by those aiming to disrupt the system, warning that such manipulation undermines the ethics of the police profession.