Nigerian Army orders protesting ex-soldiers to vacate Finance Ministry headquarters

The Defence Headquarters has directed retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to vacate the premises immediately.

A large group of ex-soldiers, who voluntarily exited the Nigerian Army in 2024, had on Thursday stormed the ministry, accusing the Federal Government of failing to pay their entitlements. They alleged that they had been neglected for too long.

Reacting to the demonstration, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the protest was disrupting the smooth running of activities at the ministry.

“While the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the right to legitimate protest, the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance to allow government functions to continue seamlessly,” Kangye stated.

He stressed that the directive was necessary to prevent disruption of public service and to safeguard order.

Kangye further reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to their constitutional role of defending the country’s territorial integrity, assisting civil authorities in maintaining internal security, and ensuring peace and stability nationwide.