Heavy security presence has been reported around the Ministry of Defence in Abuja ahead of a planned protest by military retirees over the alleged non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions.
Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service and Vehicle Inspection Officers were deployed around the area on Wednesday.
Armed soldiers were also seen patrolling the vicinity, while security operatives took strategic positions on roads leading to the ministry.
Two armoured personnel carriers and more than 15 security vehicles were reportedly stationed at different points around the protest venue.
However, the planned demonstration had not commenced as of 8am when the area was inspected.
The retirees are demanding the implementation of pension adjustments they say should have followed salary increases approved for serving military personnel.
One of the leaders of the group, retired Colonel Innocent Azubike, said the protest was aimed at demanding what the retirees consider their constitutional pension rights.
Azubike said President Bola Tinubu approved a salary increase for military personnel in November 2025, which he argued should have resulted in a corresponding adjustment to the pensions of retired personnel.
He alleged that the adjustment had yet to be implemented despite repeated acknowledgements by military authorities of the presidential approval.
The retirees are therefore demanding that the relevant authorities implement the pension adjustment and address their concerns.
