The Nigeria Police Force has disbursed N2.317 billion in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next of kin of fallen police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, handed over the cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, the beneficiaries covered the insurance policy years from 2017/2018 through 2024/2025.
Disu stated that the payments totaled exactly N2,317,177,094—including outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements.
He emphasized that these payments are rightful entitlements stemming from the sacrifices of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“Today, I am pleased to present benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers amounting to N2,317,177,094.00.
“Beyond the financial value of these cheques, this exercise carries an important message: the Nigeria Police Force will not abandon the families of those who paid the supreme price in our service,” Disu said.
He acknowledged the ongoing security challenges, noting that police personnel have lost many colleagues in attacks and operations nationwide.
He recalled officers killed at Buni-Yadi, Yobe State; members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue mission in Zamfara State; and 10 personnel recently ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State.
“Their courage reminds us of the demands of policing and the price our personnel sometimes pay to protect the lives and property of others.
The families of these officers continue to shoulder the greatest burden of their absence, and we must never lose sight of that reality,” he said.
The IGP expressed sympathy to the families of the fallen officers, emphasizing that the financial benefits cannot replace their loved ones but are a reflection of the institutional responsibility owed to them.
“No amount of money can replace the loved one you have lost. However, these payments represent the institutional responsibility we owe to you and a practical expression of our appreciation for the sacrifices made by your loved ones,” he said.
Disu urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, especially for the education and welfare of children and dependents left behind.
He reaffirmed that the welfare of police personnel remains a priority for his administration, promising ongoing efforts to improve working conditions, healthcare, housing, and other legitimate benefits for officers and their families.
“I have consistently maintained that an institution that demands courage, discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice from its personnel must also demonstrate genuine commitment to their welfare and that of their families,” the IGP said.
He also praised the Force’s insurance partners and called on them to settle claims promptly, describing insurance benefits as a critical lifeline for families who have lost breadwinners.
“For families who have lost their breadwinners, insurance can be a vital lifeline. Timely settlement therefore has a direct impact on their welfare and stability," he stated.
Disu further revealed that the Force Insurance Unit has, over the past two months, visited six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory to raise awareness about insurance benefits.
He explained that the purpose of these visits was to ensure that serving officers and their families understand how to access available insurance benefits and entitlements.
Post a Comment