Police IG orders investigation into viral video claims by a retired officer who rejected ₦2m benefits after 35 years of service. Reforms expected

Police pension row investigation has been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following a viral video by a retired officer who condemned his retirement benefits as grossly inadequate after serving for 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force.

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The unnamed retired Superintendent of Police, who left service on October 1, 2023, voiced his dissatisfaction after reportedly receiving a total payout of ₦3 million.

This sum included ₦1 million in arrears and ₦2 million as his complete terminal benefit. In the video, the former officer declared he had rejected the ₦2 million benefit in protest, citing the figure as a disgrace to his decades of service.

The public backlash that followed prompted immediate action from the police hierarchy. On Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the IGP had directed NPF Pensions Limited to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations.

The investigation is expected to uncover any lapses and recommend solutions to prevent recurrence.

In a formal statement, Adejobi said, “The IGP has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations raised in a viral video by a retired Superintendent of Police concerning the welfare and retirement benefits of police pensioners.

The IGP has tasked the NPF Pensions Limited to urgently examine the claims, identify any possible lapses, and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the concerns raised.”

Egbetokun also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired police officers, noting that their sacrifices must be honoured with fairness and dignity.

He stressed that effective pension management is key to upholding morale and institutional trust within the force.

“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 was quoted as saying.

While reforms have been introduced over the years to address the inadequacies of the pension system, the IGP acknowledged the significance of constructive public feedback in identifying systemic gaps.

The current case, he said, offers an opportunity to re-evaluate the administration of police pensions.

Egbetokun further urged officers, retirees, and their families to remain calm and patient as the investigation continues, assuring them that lasting reforms would follow.

The unfolding developments around the police pension row have stirred national conversations around the broader issue of public sector retirement benefits, especially for security personnel who risk their lives in service to the nation.

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Many Nigerians are watching to see whether this investigation will lead to meaningful change or become another unfulfilled promise in the history of pension reforms.