Defence HQ Orders Retired Soldiers to Vacate Finance Ministry in Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has ordered protesting retired soldiers to vacate the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Abuja without delay.
A large group of retired soldiers, who voluntarily left the Nigerian Army in 2024, stormed the Finance Ministry earlier in the week. They told PulseNets that their protest was triggered by what they described as the Federal Government’s refusal to pay their long-awaited entitlements. The aggrieved veterans accused the authorities of abandoning them for too long despite their sacrifices in defending the nation.
However, in a swift reaction, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, issued a strong directive for the protesters to vacate the ministry’s premises immediately.
Speaking through an official statement obtained by PulseNets, Kangye emphasised that the ongoing demonstration was “disrupting the smooth running of government operations at the Ministry of Finance”.
He further cautioned the protesting veterans, saying, “While the Defence Headquarters recognises the right of citizens, including our veterans, to engage in legitimate protests, they are strongly advised to exercise restraint and vacate the Federal Ministry of Finance premises so that government activities can continue unhindered.”
Kangye told PulseNets that the order was a clear message from the Defence Headquarters to both the protesting ex-soldiers and the Nigerian public, stressing that the Armed Forces remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.
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In his words, “Let me assure Nigerians once again that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are unwavering in their constitutional mandate to defend the territorial integrity of our nation, support civil authorities in upholding internal security, and ensure lasting peace and stability across all regions.”
The standoff between the retired soldiers and the Federal Government has reignited conversations about welfare and entitlements for ex-servicemen in Nigeria. Analysts believe the Defence Headquarters’ directive may calm immediate tensions but does not erase the veterans’ grievances.
