Retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday staged a protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, blocking one of the gates over grievances linked to the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The protesters, operating under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, demanded their immediate removal from the scheme, which they described as unfair and detrimental to their welfare.

Leading the demonstration, the National Coordinator of the forum, Raphael Irowainu, said the protest was aimed at compelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the Police Exit Bill.

According to him, the bill, which was passed by the National Assembly in December 2025 and transmitted to the Presidency in March 2026, seeks to exempt police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He lamented that while other security agencies have exited the scheme, retired police officers remain included.

Irowainu argued that the continued inclusion of police personnel in the scheme has worsened their living conditions, describing it as unjust compared to benefits enjoyed by counterparts in other security agencies.

The retirees also expressed frustration over what they termed poor pension outcomes, noting that many former officers struggle to meet basic needs under the current structure.

Monday’s protest adds to a series of demonstrations by retired police officers over pension-related concerns.

In July 2025, a similar protest was held at the National Assembly, while others had previously gathered at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to demand reforms.

The development highlights growing dissatisfaction among retired police personnel and intensifies pressure on the Federal Government to address longstanding concerns surrounding pension administration in the force.

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Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has raised concerns over the conduct of security operatives during a recent protest against alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions in the Makoko waterfront area of Lagos State, accusing the police of deploying expired tear gas canisters on demonstrators.

Falana spoke at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, where he visited protesters who sustained injuries during the demonstration organised by activists Hassan Taiwo, popularly known as Soweto, and Dele Frank. The protest was aimed at drawing the attention of the Lagos State government to demolitions affecting waterfront communities.

The demonstration was initially peaceful but later turned chaotic after police operatives reportedly fired tear gas at close range, leading to injuries among protesters. The incident has drawn criticism from human rights organisations and civil society groups.

Reacting to the injuries observed at the hospital, Falana described the police action as unconstitutional and dangerous, stating that the nature of the injuries raised questions about the safety of the tear gas canisters used.

In over four decades of participating in protests across the country, Falana said he had never seen tear gas cause such severe injuries, adding that the effects observed were unusual and alarming.

At LASUTH, a burns and plastic surgery nurse, Adedeji Hassan, briefed Falana on the condition of one of the injured protesters, Kafayat Muftaudeen. He disclosed that Muftaudeen sustained a serious leg injury but was fit to be discharged and would continue treatment through regular wound dressing and weekly hospital visits before undergoing skin grafting.

Falana stressed that the 1999 Constitution guarantees Nigerians the right to peaceful assembly and expression, noting that protest organisers are only required to notify the police, not seek permission. He added that the Police Establishment Act places a duty on the police to provide protection during lawful protests.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has defended the demolition of structures in parts of Makoko, stating that the exercise was carried out to protect lives and prevent potential disasters.

Speaking at a joint ministerial press briefing in Alausa, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said many of the wooden buildings affected were erected directly beneath high-tension power lines, posing serious risks to occupants.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, Babatunde Olajide, explained that the demolition formed part of a long-term safety and redevelopment plan. He added that only structures within high-tension corridors were removed and assured that displaced residents would be compensated following ongoing enumeration.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has also summoned leaders and stakeholders from Makoko and adjoining waterfront communities to a meeting following petitions submitted over the demolition and eviction of residents. The engagement is expected to provide a platform for dialogue and resolution.

In a separate reaction, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights condemned the alleged use of force against protesters and called for independent investigations into reported killings and demolitions linked to enforcement actions across Lagos State.

The group said peaceful protest remains a constitutional right and urged authorities to pursue justice, compensation, and restoration for affected communities.

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