Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the alleged poor treatment of retired police officers, warning that many former members of the force are facing hunger, illness and humiliation after decades of service.

Atiku’s comments followed reports of protests by retired police officers at the National Assembly. The retirees, accompanied by their wives and children, reportedly called for legislative action to improve their welfare and secure better pension arrangements.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the condition of retired police personnel reflected a broader failure to honour the sacrifices made by those who served the country. He alleged that some serving officers were also being forced to draw from their pension savings to feed their families.

The former vice president specifically called for an immediate response to the Police Exit Bill, which is intended to address the welfare and retirement conditions of police officers. He also demanded an urgent review of police salaries, particularly following the recent pay increase approved for members of the Armed Forces.

According to Atiku, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police told him that he received a monthly pension of only N29,000. The former vice president questioned how anyone could meet basic needs on such an amount, adding that the retiree disclosed that more than 120 members of his association had died within the past three years.

“‘What would you even buy with N29,000?’ he asked,” Atiku reportedly said, urging President Tinubu to engage directly with retired officers and hear their concerns.

Atiku also recounted the case of a retired female Assistant Commissioner of Police who allegedly sought menial employment after years of service. He said she was later found begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja, prompting one of his media managers to bring the situation to his attention.

Although assistance was provided to the woman, Atiku argued that private intervention could not substitute for a functional and dependable pension system. He said former officers should not have to rely on charity or chance encounters to receive the support they had earned through public service.

The former vice president expressed particular concern that a woman who had risen to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police could be reduced to begging. He questioned why she had to be discovered in distress before receiving help, insisting that the state had a responsibility to protect its former personnel.

Atiku’s remarks have renewed debate over the welfare of Nigeria’s police officers, both serving and retired. The controversy also highlights longstanding concerns about inadequate pensions, delayed benefits and the disparity between the compensation of police personnel and other security agencies.

The call for action places pressure on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to address the Police Exit Bill and review the broader welfare framework for officers. For many retired police officers, however, the issue is not merely legislative. It is a demand for dignity, financial security and recognition after years of service to the nation.

Rev. Fr. John Inalegwu Otache, the Catholic priest abducted in Benue State, has reportedly regained his freedom following a rescue operation involving security personnel and local vigilantes.

Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area, was kidnapped on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road while returning from Otukpo.

His abduction caused widespread concern among members of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and residents of nearby communities, prompting prayers and appeals for his safe return.

The reported rescue has brought relief to his congregation, the wider Catholic community and others who had expressed concern about his whereabouts. However, details of the operation remain unclear, including the circumstances of his release and his current health condition.

Authorities and church officials are expected to provide further information as the situation develops.

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.