Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, personally addressed a group of retired police officers who staged a peaceful protest at the Governor's Office in Akure on Monday, April 20, 2026, over grievances related to their exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme. The protest, which drew the attention of the command, prompted the Commissioner to intervene directly to ensure calm and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command confirmed that the retired officers conducted themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner while expressing their concerns. CP Lawal acknowledged their grievances, noting that their welfare remains a matter of importance to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The protest by the retired police officers is the latest in a series of confrontations between retired security personnel and the government over pension administration.
The Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), established under the Pension Reform Act of 2004 and subsequently amended, applies to most federal government employees, including police officers. However, there has been a long-standing dispute between the Police Pension Department, which some retirees argue should handle their benefits, and the National Pension Commission (PenCom), which administers the CPS.
Retired officers have frequently complained that their entitlements under the CPS are either delayed, miscalculated, or significantly lower than what they expected upon retirement. In Ondo State, the protesters specifically raised concerns over their exit from the scheme, suggesting that they had been moved out of the CPS without adequate explanation or compensation.
During his address, CP Lawal commended the retirees for their peaceful conduct and emphasized the need for sustained dialogue and lawful engagement in addressing such issues. He assured the protesting officers that their concerns would be appropriately communicated to the relevant authorities for necessary action. “The Commissioner of Police acknowledged the concerns raised by the retired officers, noting that their welfare remains a matter of importance to the Inspector General of Police,” the statement read. He further urged the retirees to remain calm and avoid any actions that could disrupt public peace, reiterating the Command’s commitment to maintaining security and protecting the rights of all citizens.
The situation remained peaceful throughout, with no record of violence or disturbance, as adequate security measures were emplaced to ensure the safety of all participants.
The protest comes against a backdrop of growing discontent among retired police officers across the country. In February 2026, a similar protest was held in Abuja, where retired officers blocked the entrance to the National Assembly, demanding the immediate payment of their outstanding pensions and the scrapping of the CPS for police personnel. The retirees argued that the nature of police work, which involves high risk and early retirement due to injuries or stress, makes them unsuited for a contributory scheme that ties benefits to long-term savings. Instead, they have called for a return to the defined benefit scheme, which guarantees a fixed monthly pension based on years of service and final salary.
The Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force have repeatedly promised to address these issues, but many retirees say no concrete action has been taken.
The Ondo State Police Command, in its press release, reaffirmed its dedication to upholding law and order while respecting the rights of citizens to lawful assembly and expression. The Command urged members of the public to go about their lawful activities without fear, as it remains resolute in its duty to safeguard lives and property across the state. CP Lawal’s personal engagement with the protesters was widely praised by civil society groups, who noted that it prevented a potentially volatile situation from escalating. “It is refreshing to see a police commissioner who listens instead of dispersing protesters with force. This is the kind of community policing we need,” said a local human rights activist who spoke on condition of anonymity.
As the retired officers dispersed peacefully, they carried with them the Commissioner’s assurance that their concerns would be escalated. Whether that assurance translates into policy changes, however, remains to be seen. The Inspector General of Police has yet to issue a formal statement on the issue, and the National Pension Commission has maintained that the CPS is designed to be more sustainable and transparent than the old pension system.
For the retired police officers of Ondo State, the wait for a resolution continues. Their protest may have ended, but their struggle for fair treatment in retirement is far from over. The Command has provided emergency contact lines for any inquiries, and has encouraged citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments