A file photo showing police operatives on duty. Source: ChannelsTV

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered all Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure maximum security during a planned peaceful protest by retired police officers slated for Monday.

This was made known in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.

The IGP directed that the rights of the retired officers be fully protected, noting that the protest must be allowed to hold as a “dignified expression of grievance.” He also warned against any attempts to hijack or politicise the demonstration.

Adejobi clarified that the retired officers’ agitation to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme is not new and had received support from successive police leaderships. However, progress has been delayed by statutory limitations, inter-agency challenges, and budgetary constraints.

“It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponising the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives,” Adejobi stated.

He said the Force would not tolerate efforts to manipulate the protest to discredit the Federal Government or undermine police leadership.

According to the IGP’s directive, all police commands are to provide adequate security and prevent any breach of peace. Officers are also expected to safeguard the protesters from miscreants and political elements who may attempt to infiltrate or hijack the protest.

Egbetokun further instructed that police personnel under various commands be sensitised on the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. He urged the protesters to maintain order and assured them of the Force’s commitment to addressing their concerns within legal and institutional frameworks.