ABUJA — Armed police officers and soldiers on Wednesday prevented retired military personnel from accessing the premises of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, where the ex-servicemen had gathered to protest the non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions.

The protesters had planned to converge in front of the ministry as part of their demonstration, but security operatives were deployed in large numbers to block their movement and prevent them from assembling at the location.

The development followed an earlier confrontation between serving soldiers and the retired personnel after security officers attempted to stop the ex-servicemen from holding their planned protest in front of the ministry.

The retirees are demanding the implementation of outstanding pension adjustments, which they say have yet to be reflected in their payments.

Tensions rose as the ex-servicemen attempted to move towards the ministry, forcing security personnel to strengthen the blockade and restrict access to the area.

The protest highlights renewed concerns among retired military personnel over the implementation of pension-related commitments and other welfare issues affecting former members of the armed forces.