Security has been heightened around the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja as retired military personnel under the umbrella of the Military Veterans Association of Nigeria staged a protest over their pensions.
Scores of security personnel from the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and other agencies were deployed to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The protesting veterans, led by retired Colonel Azubuike Nas, are demanding the implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following the recent salary increase approved for serving military personnel by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu recently approved a new salary structure for serving military officers as part of efforts to improve their welfare and enhance their effectiveness across various theatres of operation in the country.
The retired officers, however, argued that they should also benefit from the adjustment, having served the country for 35 years or more.
Armed soldiers have also been deployed to the Defence Headquarters, with security personnel stationed along major roads leading to the area.
The heavy security presence has resulted in traffic congestion around parts of Abuja’s city centre.
