Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called out the Federal Government over the poor treatment of retired police officers, describing it as a national disgrace. Speaking during a protest in Abuja on Monday, Adeyanju condemned the harsh conditions many police pensioners face after decades of service to the nation.
“There is no day you go out and don’t come across a police officer,” he said. “But after 35 years of service, they retire into poverty with just ₦1.5 million. That is not retirement—it is slow death.”
Adeyanju decried the poor state of police barracks across the country and questioned why politicians enjoy massive salaries and retirement packages while those who secure the nation live in squalor.
“National Assembly members earn between ₦30 to ₦50 million monthly while doing almost nothing. But the officers who are Nigeria’s first line of defense in internal security can barely afford to feed,” he said.
The activist urged the government to use recovered looted funds to build housing estates for retiring officers and provide better post-service care. He also appealed for discounts, veteran status, and improved health benefits for retired police officers, just as is done in developed countries.
During the protest, retired police officers shared their experiences. One of them, ASP Buba Danjuma (rtd), who joined the force in 1980 and retired in 2015 after 35 years of service, revealed he earns only ₦30,000 monthly.
“I have children. What can ₦30,000 do for me? I had to borrow money to travel to Abuja for this protest. This is my third time here, and nothing has changed,” he said tearfully.
Danjuma accused the current Inspector-General of Police of being a stumbling block, alleging that the police leadership is frustrating efforts to pass a bill that would improve police pensions.
“They show me my RSA account with millions, yet they pay me just ₦30,000. What is the meaning of that?” he asked. “The IG should meet the National Assembly and fight for us. We wore the uniform, we served this country, we deserve better.”
Adeyanju further addressed serving police officers, urging them not to see protesters as enemies. “We are trying to restore your dignity,” he said. “The real enemies are the corrupt politicians you are guarding—some of them are school dropouts, yet you risk your lives for them daily.”
He also called on the Police Service Commission and the Nigerian Police leadership to emulate the military, where even the lowest-ranking soldier is considered and protected in retirement.
He ended with a passionate appeal for justice and systemic reform to ensure that no officer who serves Nigeria ends up begging to survive.
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