By Zainab Rauf, Abuja In an unprecedented display of solidarity and civil action, serving and retired police officers, alongside...
By Zainab Rauf, Abuja
In an unprecedented display of solidarity and civil action, serving and retired police officers, alongside civil rights activists, on Monday shut down the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, demanding better welfare and pension reforms for officers across the country.
The protest, described by organizers as a “watershed moment,” marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that the Police Force Headquarters witnessed a large-scale demonstration by its own current and former personnel.
In a statement issued to the press, the protest organizers said, “Today marks a watershed moment in the fight for dignity, justice, and equity for serving and retired police officers in Nigeria.” They added that the peaceful march was aimed at securing better working conditions for serving officers and a dignified pension structure for retirees.
What began as a gathering of retired officers at the gates of the National Assembly reportedly swelled into a mass protest that extended to the Force Headquarters, temporarily shutting down administrative activities and leaving the police leadership scrambling.
“Despite calculated efforts by the police hierarchy to intimidate and isolate uniformed officers from participating, their joy and solidarity were unmistakable,” the organizers said. “Many marched with us, even while assigned to monitor the protest, smiling and nodding in silent support.”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of officers on duty quietly acknowledging the demonstrators while some retirees brandished placards reading “Dignity for Police Officers Now” and “Our Pensions, Our Right.”
The protest, however, was not without drama. One of the protest leaders alleged that a plain-clothed officer snatched his AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses during the march, but stressed that such acts of provocation would not derail the movement.
“All attempts to disrupt or sabotage the movement—including a failed attempt to bribe protesters with drinks at the Force Headquarters—were roundly rejected,” the organizers stated.
Among those acknowledged for their pivotal roles in the success of the protest was activist Bello Glandachi, popularly known as Dan Bello, who was praised for his “tireless, multilingual advocacy and organizational brilliance.”
The protest was supported by civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement, who mobilized members in Abuja and across Nigeria. The organizers further announced that the protest was just the beginning of a broader national movement.
“As announced, retired police officers will continue to maintain a visible presence in Abuja, and the next phase of nationwide protests is scheduled to resume on August 1, 2025,” the statement said.
The Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the protest at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, analysts say the protest reflects mounting frustration among police personnel over welfare concerns, especially regarding retirement benefits and working conditions.
“This is a significant turning point in police-citizen relations and internal police advocacy,” said a civil rights observer in Abuja. “It shows a growing consciousness among security operatives to demand for their rights through nonviolent action.”
As the country awaits the response of the police authorities and the federal government, the protesting officers have vowed to sustain the pressure until their demands are met.
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