Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday led a protest in Abuja demanding improved salaries and pension packages for both serving and retired police officers across Nigeria.
The demonstration, which drew dozens of supporters and rights advocates, began at the Unity Fountain and proceeded toward the National Assembly complex under tight security supervision. Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Respect Police Lives Too,” “Retired But Not Forgotten,” and “Fair Pay for Police Now!”
Sowore, addressing the crowd, said the welfare of Nigeria’s security personnel, especially the police, has been neglected for too long, leading to poor morale and ineffective policing across the country.
“We cannot continue to demand professionalism from officers who are poorly paid, ill-equipped, and forgotten after service,” Sowore declared. “A country that fails to care for its protectors endangers its own safety.”
He called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to initiate immediate reforms in police remuneration and pension schemes, stressing that many retired officers live in poverty despite dedicating decades to national service.
The protest comes amid growing concerns over security sector reforms and recurring complaints from police personnel about delayed salaries, poor housing, and lack of healthcare support after retirement.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official response to the protest as of the time of filing this report.
