The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has cautioned retired soldiers staging protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance over the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to desist, describing their actions as unlawful.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, issued the warning in Abuja on Friday, noting that the demonstrations had disrupted official activities at the ministry.
“The Defence Headquarters acknowledges freedom of legitimate protest, but the veterans are strongly advised to exercise caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance to allow government business to continue unhindered,” he said.
Clarification on Benefits
Major General Kangye explained that neither the government nor the DHQ owed the veterans any SDA arrears.
He said gratuities and allowances were being processed strictly according to the salary chart applicable at the time of each soldier’s retirement.
He clarified that personnel who retired between January 1 and July 28, 2024, were placed under the pre-minimum wage chart, while those who retired from July 29, 2024, onward were captured under the new minimum wage chart.
“Unfortunately, those who left service before the new wage structure came into effect have insisted their benefits be calculated with the updated chart. This is not possible, as government policies take effect from their approved implementation dates,” Kangye stressed.
Veterans’ Reaction
However, some veterans’ groups insist their demands are justified.
Representatives of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans told reporters that they were being unfairly treated despite dedicating decades of their lives to national service.
One of the leaders, who declined to be named, argued that the SDA was designed to cushion economic hardship for retired soldiers and should be adjusted to reflect current realities.
“We are not asking for what does not exist. We are only demanding that our benefits be calculated in line with today’s cost of living. Many of us are struggling to survive,” he said.
Another group, the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association, appealed to the Federal Government to open dialogue instead of what it called “dismissive statements” from the military high command.
Call for Dialogue
While DHQ has warned against further demonstrations, veterans maintain that only constructive engagement will resolve the standoff.
They are urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to step in and ensure fairness in the payment of entitlements.
At the time of this report, the Ministry of Finance had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.