Ex-servicemen under the aegis of Coalition of Concerned Veterans on Monday took to the streets of Kaduna to protest the non-payment of their outstanding entitlements for the period of 24 months.

They said they deserved their entitlements having fought to secure the country while in service.

The demands of the placard-wielding protesters include “an immediate payment of 24 months minimum wage increment, security debarment allowance, a refund of deductions from medically discharged retired servicemen, and an automatic Armed Forces slot for qualified children of retired servicemen among others.”

One of the leaders of the ex-servicemen, Auwal Aliyu, said they deserved the payment of their pensions and other outstanding entitlements having fought for the security and unity of Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists shortly after they marched through the major streets, Aliyu said, “These are members of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans. CCV is a conglomeration of some military associations recognised by the Ministry of Defence and the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff.

“The essence of this gathering is as simple as it is. We have outstanding arrears of 24 months entitlements that have not been paid.

“We also have the Security Development Allowance which we have been asking the Federal Government to pay. There were selective payments of the SDA. A few people were selected and paid the SDA, but 90% of those entitled to the SDA have not been paid. We have been asking questions.”

Aliyu also spoke about the Defence Health Insurance Scheme which he said did not cover certain ailments.

“Some of the retirees are having serious health challenges and there is no adequate medical cover for them,” he lamented.