The Defence Headquarters has directed retired Nigerian soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to immediately vacate the premises, warning that their actions are disrupting government operations.
This directive follows a peaceful protest by a large number of retired military personnel who voluntarily exited the Nigerian Army in 2024. The ex-soldiers stormed the Finance Ministry earlier this week, demanding the payment of their outstanding entitlements, which they claim have been withheld by the federal government.
The protesters, many of whom served for over a decade, say they feel abandoned by the same government they once risked their lives to protect.
The retired soldiers accused the federal government of failing to honour its promises regarding their welfare. Many among them claim they are yet to receive their discharge benefits and other entitlements, nearly a year after leaving service.
“We have waited patiently for months. We have written letters, made calls, and followed due process, but nothing has changed,” said one of the protesters, who declined to be named. “Now, we have no other option than to come out here and make our voices heard.”
Another protester said some of his colleagues are facing health challenges and cannot afford medical care, while others struggle to feed their families.
“We fought for this country. Is this how we are to be treated in retirement?” he asked. “We are not asking for too much—just what we rightfully earned.”
The protesters say they will not leave until government officials give them firm assurances and a clear timeline for payment.
Reacting to the protest, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, appealed for calm but made it clear that the retired soldiers must vacate the Finance Ministry’s premises to allow normal government business to continue.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Kangye acknowledged the right of citizens—including military veterans—to protest, but warned that such actions must not hinder the functioning of critical government institutions.
“While the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the right to legitimate protest, the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance to allow government functions to continue seamlessly,” Kangye said.
He added that their presence was already “seriously affecting the smooth conduct of activities at the Ministry of Finance.”
The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to the welfare of all serving and retired personnel. Kangye reassured the protesting veterans that their grievances had been noted and were being addressed through appropriate channels.
“This is the message we have been directed to pass on, so that through your medium, our veterans and the Nigerian public can be properly informed,” he added.
Welfare issues among retired military personnel are not new in Nigeria. Over the years, several protests have been staged by veterans who say they have been neglected after service.
While the Nigerian Armed Forces are praised for their sacrifices in defending the nation from insurgency and other internal threats, many ex-soldiers say they are left in poverty and uncertainty once their uniforms are retired.
Experts have often called for urgent reforms in the military pension system, more transparent processing of entitlements, and better support for retired service members, especially those who served in conflict zones.
A retired army major who spoke anonymously said: “This protest is not just about money. It is about dignity. Soldiers must not be treated like tools to be used and discarded.”
The Defence Headquarters’ appeal for calm appears aimed at preventing the situation from escalating. However, unless the federal government addresses the root cause—the delayed payments—the protests may continue.
Human rights groups have also urged the government to engage the veterans directly and resolve their concerns with transparency and urgency.
For now, the situation remains tense at the Finance Ministry. While the Army has called for the ex-soldiers to leave, the veterans say they are determined to stay put until they see action—not just promises.
As the standoff continues, Nigerians are once again reminded of the difficult lives many of their former defenders now live—and the need for a system that truly respects and supports its heroes in and out of uniform.
