Ex-Soldiers Advised to Halt Unauthorized Protests, DHQ Says
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has cautioned discharged military personnel protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance over the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to stop their activities, labeling them as illegal.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, issued the warning on Friday, noting that the demonstrations were disrupting official operations at the ministry and would no longer be tolerated.
“The Defence Headquarters recognises the right to lawful protest; however, the veterans are strongly urged to exercise restraint and vacate the Ministry premises to allow government functions to continue without hindrance,” Kangye said.
He clarified that neither the DHQ nor the government owed retired soldiers any additional SDA, explaining that payments are made according to the wage chart applicable on the soldier’s retirement date.
Gratuities and SDA are calculated based on the salary structure effective at the time of retirement. Those who retired between January 1 and July 28, 2024, fall under the pre-minimum wage chart, while those retiring from July 29, 2024, onward are covered by the new minimum wage chart.
“Soldiers who retired prior to the implementation date demanding benefits under the new minimum wage chart cannot be accommodated. Government policies have effective dates, and this case is no exception,” Kangye stressed.
He called on protesting ex-soldiers to follow the established procedures and refrain from further illegal demonstrations.
