Nigeria's Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a formal warning to retired military personnel protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance, describing the demonstration as unlawful and disruptive to government operations.

The protest, which centers on demands for recalculated Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), again drew attention on Friday as demonstrators gathered outside the ministry.

According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the DHQ recognizes the right to peaceful protest but urged the veterans to vacate the premises to allow normal activities to resume.

Kangye clarified that the government is not indebted to the protesting ex-soldiers regarding SDA payments. He explained that gratuities and allowances are calculated based on the salary structure in effect at the time of retirement.

Soldiers who retired between January 1 and July 28, 2024, fall under the pre-minimum wage chart, while those who retired from July 29, 2024, onward are covered by the revised minimum wage chart implemented that same year.

The DHQ stated that demands for retroactive application of the new wage structure are not consistent with government policy, which applies changes from a fixed implementation date. Kangye further emphasized that this principle is standard across public service and cannot be altered for individual cases.

The protest has reportedly disrupted operations at the ministry, prompting calls for restraint and adherence to established procedures.