| By Adejumo Adekunle
Retired police officers have condemned the significant gap in retirement benefits between themselves and their military counterparts, accusing the government of neglect. They argue that while former Police Commissioners receive just ₦73,000 in monthly pensions, their military counterparts are paid over ₦300,000, calling the situation unjust and a potential threat to national security.
Led by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Maigari Dikko, the disgruntled officers voiced their concerns during a meeting with the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired DIG Hashimu Argungu. In a statement released on Thursday by PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the officers appealed for immediate action from the Commission to rectify their poor retirement benefits and feelings of abandonment.
The statement highlighted their frustration with the wide pension disparity, pointing out that in many other countries, police and military personnel receive equal retirement benefits. They warned that failing to address this could create a serious security risk.
The retired officers also expressed concern over the large number of police officers deployed to private residences, arguing that this weakens the force’s ability to maintain public safety. They urged the Federal Government to recall these officers and redeploy them to strengthen public security.
“We urge the government to withdraw officers from private residences and redeploy them to public areas for better security,” they stated.
Responding to their concerns, PSC Chairman Argungu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of both current and retired police officers. He revealed plans to involve some retired officers in the Commission’s Quality Assurance Unit, leveraging their experience to enhance police personnel management.
He also assured the delegation that efforts would be made to ensure their children could join the force, either through the Police Academy in Wudil or through direct recruitment. Retired DIG Lakanu, who also received the delegation, promised that their concerns would be taken seriously, with plans to push for better retirement benefits.
“The Commission will look into ways to bring meaningful changes to retired officers’ pensions,” the statement concluded.
