The Defence Headquarters has ordered retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Abuja to vacate the premises.
Daily Trust had reported how dozens of retired soldiers who voluntarily exited the Nigerian Army in 2024, returned to streets after last month’s protest over unpaid benefits.
The protesters lamented what they described as the government’s failure to pay their entitlements, saying they had been neglected for too long.
But reacting to their demonstration, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kanye, said the aggrieved former soldiers have already been educated.
He explained that the agitation stemmed from the introduction of two separate salary charts for military personnel in 2024, following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
According to him, a “pre-minimum wage chart” was in effect between January 1 and July 28, 2024, while the “minimum wage chart” took effect from July 29, 2024, and remains applicable.
The senior military officer said, “The actions of these protesting soldiers are seriously affecting the smooth conduct of activities at the Ministry of Finance.
“While the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the right to legitimate protest, the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance to allow government functions to continue seamlessly.
“This is the message we have been directed to pass on, so that through your medium, our veterans and the Nigerian public can be properly informed.
“Let me reaffirm that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional mandate of defending the territorial integrity of our great nation, supporting civil authorities in maintaining internal security, and ensuring peace and stability across all regions,” Kangye added.
Kangye noted that gratuity and security debarment allowance for retired personnel are calculated based on the salary chart in effect on the date of retirement.