The Nigeria Police Force has presented N2.317bn in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, disclosed this on Thursday at the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries under the Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.
The beneficiaries covered the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.
Disu said the total payment amounted to N2,317,177,094, adding that some of the funds represented outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements.
He described the payments as legitimate entitlements arising from the service and sacrifice of police officers who died in the line of duty.
“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,” the IGP said.
Disu noted that every police officer was a member of a family before joining the Force, describing the deceased personnel as fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives in service to the country.
He said the challenging security environment had continued to expose police personnel to significant risks, resulting in the death of gallant officers across the country.
The IGP specifically recalled personnel killed in attacks at Buni-Yadi, Yobe State; members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue mission in Zamfara State; and the 10 police personnel recently ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State.
“We mourn them all,” Disu said.
He said the sacrifices of the fallen officers demonstrated the dangers associated with policing and the heavy burden borne by their families following their deaths.
The IGP expressed sympathy to the beneficiaries, stressing that no financial compensation could replace a deceased loved one.
He, however, urged the beneficiaries to deploy the funds prudently, particularly towards the education, welfare and future of children and dependants left behind by the deceased officers.
Disu said personnel welfare remained a cardinal priority of his administration, noting that an institution that demanded courage, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice from its officers must also demonstrate commitment to their welfare and that of their families.
He said the police were working to improve personnel welfare, working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other legitimate benefits due to officers and their families.
According to him, the Force will also strengthen mechanisms to ensure that welfare benefits are processed and delivered more efficiently.
The IGP commended the Force’s insurance partners for their cooperation, urging them to settle legitimate claims promptly.
“Insurance benefits are not merely commercial claims; for families who have lost their breadwinners, they can be a vital lifeline,” he said.
Disu also commended personnel of the Force Insurance Unit for improving awareness and access to insurance benefits.
He disclosed that the unit had, within two months, visited six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory to sensitise personnel on their insurance entitlements.
The IGP said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that police officers understood their benefits and that their families were also aware of the procedures for accessing such entitlements.
He urged serving officers to draw strength from the courage of their fallen colleagues and remain committed to professionalism, integrity and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
Disu assured families of deceased officers that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to supporting them and recognising the sacrifices of their loved ones.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen officers and for the protection of personnel still serving across the country.