The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday issued a stern warning to retired military personnel staging protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, urging them to vacate the premises immediately.
The protesting ex-soldiers resumed demonstrations this week, accusing the government of reneging on promises made during an August 4 meeting with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance.
According to the veterans, authorities had pledged to clear their outstanding entitlements by August 10, a deadline that has since passed without action.
Addressing the press in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, explained that the dispute arose from the application of two salary charts in 2024 following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
“Gratuities and debarment allowances are calculated based on the salary chart active at the time of retirement,” Kangye said.
“Those who retired before July 29, 2024, are covered by the old salary structure. The new chart applies only to personnel who left service from that date onward.”
He added that some of the protesting retirees are demanding their benefits be recalculated using the new wage structure, a request the military says is not legally or administratively feasible.
While acknowledging the veterans’ right to peaceful protest, Kangye condemned their continued blockade of the Ministry of Finance, warning that such actions hinder government operations.
“The Defence Headquarters urges the protesting retirees to act responsibly and leave the premises to allow government activities to continue unhindered,” he stated.
Despite the military’s stance, the protesting veterans insist they are being unfairly treated.
Retired Sergeant Henry Ochade claimed he is still owed N900,000 in unpaid benefits.
Sergeant Igweze Ushanna (retd.) complained about unresolved salary arrears and unpaid relocation packages.
Sergeant Obinna Onyami (retd.) criticized the official relocation allowance, saying, “They gave us N77,000 to move a family from Lagos to the East, it’s ridiculous. A sergeant should receive over N400,000.”
The retirees have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to personally intervene in the matter, arguing that their years of service and sacrifice deserve recognition, not neglect.
This is the third time in recent months that retired soldiers have taken to the streets to demand payment of their benefits, a reflection of growing frustration within the veteran community.
