Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations raised in a viral video by a retired Superintendent of Police (SP) regarding police pensioners’ welfare and retirement benefits.
TheNewsGuru reports that the retired officer disclosed that he left the Force in October 2023 after completing 35 years of active service.
According to him, his retirement benefits were initially withheld, but he was later contacted and informed that his total entitlements amounted to N3m.
“I retired in October 2023. Since then, nothing has been paid to me. They called me three weeks ago and said they would pay me N3m. And when I inquired, they said it’s my pensions,” the retired SP stated.
He also alleged that the N3m was divided into two parts: “N1m as arrears from the period of his retirement while N2m was his entitlement in the Force.”
“I cannot serve this country for 35 years and be paid N2m. The devil is a liar. Please let the IG hear this. I was a Superintendent of Police. So, I am not going to collect that money. Let my service be in vain. I don’t have money, and N2m will not make me a rich man,” the officer lamented.
“I served my country wholeheartedly. I wasted all my years thinking I would take something home after retirement. I want the federal government to act. If not, I will fight my battles myself,” he warned.
Reacting to the viral video on Thursday, the Inspector General of Police directed NPF Pensions Limited to promptly review the officer’s claims, identify any procedural errors, and take appropriate action to address the issues.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not insensitive to the plight of its pensioners, many of whom dedicated their lives to the service and safety of our nation.
“The IGP views the welfare of both serving and retired officers as a priority and recognizes that timely and adequate pension administration is crucial to sustaining morale and institutional integrity.
“While efforts have consistently been made to improve the pension system, the IGP acknowledges the importance of constructive feedback in prompting necessary reforms,” Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated.
Egbetokun also reassured serving and retired officers, as well as their families, of the Force’s ongoing commitment to improving welfare and building a system that properly honours their sacrifices.