Defence Headquarters Orders Retired Soldiers to End Protests

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned retired soldiers protesting in Abuja over unpaid entitlements to immediately vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance, describing their actions as disruptive, unlawful, and unfounded.

Speaking on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, acknowledged the grievances expressed by the veterans but stressed that their demonstrations have obstructed the normal functioning of government offices. He stated that while peaceful expression of concerns is recognised, “blocking access to ministries and hindering official duties cannot be condoned.”

Dispute Over Allowances

At the centre of the standoff is the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), a benefit meant to support retired service members and prevent their skills from being misused by criminal groups. The protesting soldiers, many of whom staged similar demonstrations earlier in August, argue that they are owed arrears and that payments should reflect the current national minimum wage structure introduced in July 2024.

The DHQ, however, rejected this demand, insisting that gratuities and allowances are always computed based on the salary scale in effect at the time of retirement, not on subsequent adjustments. Kangye stressed that by this policy, the government does not owe any backlog of SDA to the protesting group. He dismissed claims of manipulation, describing them as a misunderstanding or deliberate misrepresentation of established rules.

Broken Promises and Renewed Agitations

The veterans’ anger intensified after a meeting on August 4, 2025, involving officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, where assurances were given that outstanding benefits would be cleared by August 10. According to the veterans, that promise was not honoured, and no payment alerts were received. This breach of trust triggered their return to the Finance Ministry this week, where they occupied the entrance in protest.

DHQ officials have since framed this renewed protest as unnecessary and damaging, warning that continued disruption could provoke legal action. They also reminded the public that protests at government institutions by ex-service personnel risk being exploited by political or criminal interests seeking to embarrass the state.

Wider Implications

The dispute highlights tensions between Nigeria’s defence establishment and its retired personnel, who have periodically staged protests in Abuja over pensions, gratuities, and allowances. Many veterans argue that despite their service and sacrifices, the state has not treated them with fairness or urgency in addressing their welfare.

For the Defence Headquarters, however, the present agitation is viewed as an attempt to force retrospective financial obligations on the state, a demand they insist cannot be met. Officials claim that the government has fulfilled all obligations within the scope of law and policy, and that any further agitation risks undermining discipline and the dignity of military service.

Call for Restraint

The DHQ’s warning underscores its dual concern: safeguarding the rights of former soldiers while protecting government institutions from disruption. The statement concluded with an appeal for veterans to channel their grievances through recognised associations and legal frameworks rather than direct occupation of public buildings.

For now, the deadlock persists — between a government defending its policy stance and retired soldiers who believe their sacrifices deserve more than official reassurances.