‘‘It is our right to protest” Retired military officers defy DHQ order to end protest

Saturday, September 6, 2025 - Retired soldiers protesting over unpaid entitlements have vowed to continue their protest at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, defying a directive from the Defence Headquarters to leave the premises.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Emmanuel Momodu (retd.) condemned the directive as unlawful, emphasising that as civilians, they are no longer bound by military law and therefore have the constitutional right to stage peaceful demonstrations.

“When you are in uniform, you are bound by both military and civil law. Once discharged, you are only under civil law. It is our right to protest,” Momodu said.

The ICIR reports that a good number of retired soldiers who voluntarily left the Nigerian Army in 2024 returned to the streets following August protest over unpaid benefits.

The ex-servicemen, who have held several protests in recent months, alleged that military authorities diverted funds allocated for their allowances and gratuities.

Their demands include parking allowance, advance payments, and four months of unpaid security deployment allowances, remain outstanding.

Momodu in his recent remarks accused government officials of stalling efforts to resolve the matter, alleging that for decades soldiers have been shortchanged in payment processes, with senior officers diverting funds.

“They know, and we know, that the money has been siphoned. To refund it is the problem. We are not asking for what is not due to us. We only demand our rightful benefits. If they feel embarrassed, then they should come out and address us rather than use threats or force.

“For over four decades, the system has been the same. The Army presents a chart to the Finance Ministry, receives the full allocation, then pays soldiers whatever they choose. Many retired soldiers don’t even realise how much has been deducted from them over the years,” Momodu said.

While recounting losing a kidney during his deployment in Borno State, the ex-soldier noted that beyond financial hardship, many ex-soldiers are battling health conditions sustained during service and can no longer afford medical care.