IGP Egbetokun reacts to viral video of retired officer lamenting meagre N2 million pension.
He orders urgent probe into claims, promises fair treatment and pension reforms for police retirees.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has responded to a trending video in which a retired senior police officer alleged that he received only N2 million as his retirement benefit after serving in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years.
The retired officer, who held the rank of Superintendent of Police before leaving the service, said in the widely circulated video that he officially retired on October 1, 2023. According to him, several months after his retirement, he was recently contacted by the Nigeria Police Pension Board, which told him that his total retirement package had been approved at just N3 million.
In his breakdown, he explained that N1 million was calculated as arrears covering his unpaid pension from October 2023 to the present, while N2 million was presented as his full terminal benefit. Visibly upset and emotional in the video, the retired officer rejected the amount and pleaded with the Inspector-General to step in and investigate what he described as an unfair and demeaning treatment after decades of dedicated service to the country.
Following the public outrage that the video generated and the concerns it raised over the treatment of retired police officers, the Inspector-General of Police responded swiftly. In a statement issued through the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police boss directed NPF Pensions Limited to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the retired officer’s claims.
The IGP instructed that the pension management authority must carefully examine the case, identify any possible shortcomings or administrative errors, and take appropriate corrective actions. He further said the goal is to ensure that justice is done and that the dignity of retired officers is preserved.
Egbetokun stressed that the well-being of police officers, both in active service and in retirement, is very important to the leadership of the force. He pointed out that a properly managed pension system not only reflects the value placed on officers’ years of service but also helps to build trust and morale within the police community.
“The Inspector-General is deeply concerned by the retired officer’s experience and acknowledges the emotional toll it has taken on him. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that such matters are not ignored. Every retired officer deserves to receive their entitlements promptly and fairly,” the statement read.
The police chief also noted that ongoing efforts are in place to reform and modernize the pension structure for retired police personnel. He said the leadership welcomes honest feedback, even when it comes in the form of criticism, as this helps to identify weaknesses in the system that must be addressed.
Egbetokun assured the public and retired members of the force that steps will be taken to prevent similar complaints in the future. He emphasized the importance of integrity in the handling of police pensions, describing it as a key part of the institution’s accountability to those who have served the nation.
