The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has cautioned retired military personnel protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance over the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), warning that their demonstrations are unlawful and disruptive to government operations.
On Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the protests were interfering with official duties at the ministry and would no longer be tolerated.
According to him, “The Defence Headquarters acknowledges freedom of legitimate protest, but the veterans are strongly advised to trade with caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance in order to pave way for normal government functions to be seamlessly conducted.”
Providing further clarification, Kangye insisted that neither the DHQ nor the Federal Government owed the ex-soldiers any SDA arrears. He noted that payments were being handled strictly in line with the approved salary structures.
“Those who retired between January 1 and July 28, 2024, fell under the pre-minimum wage chart, while those who retired from July 29, 2024, onward were placed under the minimum wage chart, following the implementation of the new wage structure,” he explained how entitlements are calculated, stating:
Kangye emphasised that it was unrealistic for those who retired before the new policy to demand calculations based on the current wage chart. “Unfortunately, soldiers who retired before the implementation date have insisted their benefits should be calculated with the new minimum wage chart, which is not possible. Government policies have effective dates of implementation and this case cannot be an exception,” he explained.
The DHQ, therefore, urged the protesting veterans to respect established procedures and refrain from what it described as illegal demonstrations. At the same time, Kangye assured that all valid entitlements would continue to be paid in accordance with existing regulations.
