VIDEO: “I Wasn’t Afraid of Guns at the Frontline” — Ex-Serviceman Challenges Soldiers During Abuja Protest

A retired military officer on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, confronted serving soldiers who blocked ex-servicemen from accessing the Ministry...

A retired military officer on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, confronted serving soldiers who blocked ex-servicemen from accessing the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, declaring that he was not afraid of guns when he served on the frontline. “When I was at the frontline, I was not afraid of guns, so who is scaring me here? We are also fighting for you people. Today is the day to die,” the ex-serviceman told the soldiers during the tense confrontation. The retired military personnel had gathered in Abuja to protest the failure of the Federal Government to implement consequential adjustments to their pensions following the recent increase in the salaries of serving military personnel. The protesters were demanding a corresponding review of their pensions, arguing that retired personnel should also benefit from the adjustments made to the pay of serving officers. As the ex-servicemen attempted to gain access to the Ministry of Defence, they were stopped by a combination of police officers and serving soldiers deployed to the area. The development resulted in a heated exchange between the protesters and security personnel, with some of the retired officers expressing anger over the treatment they received. The protesters maintained that they served the country during their active years and should not be left behind when significant adjustments are made to the salaries of serving military personnel. Their demand is for the government to implement the consequential pension adjustments and ensure that retired military personnel receive benefits that fairly reflect the recent salary review.