In a significant move to support the families of police officers who have died in the line of duty, the Nigeria Police Force has disbursed a total of N2.317 billion in insurance and welfare benefits. This payment, which affects 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin, was officially presented by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, during a ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday. Disu highlighted that this financial assistance is part of the Force's institutional responsibility to ensure that the families of fallen officers are not abandoned in their time of grief.
The payment covers beneficiaries from various insurance policy years, specifically from 2017/2018 to 2024/2025. Disu noted that the total amount disbursed includes outstanding balances that were recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements. He emphasized that these payments are not discretionary but are legitimate entitlements owed to the families of police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Nigeria.
"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 stated during the ceremony.
The IGP acknowledged the challenging security environment in Nigeria, where police personnel face significant risks daily. He recalled the tragic incidents involving officers killed in various attacks and operations across the country. Specific mention was made of the officers who lost their lives in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, and those from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue mission in Zamfara State. Disu also paid tribute to ten police personnel who were ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State, underscoring the dangers that police officers encounter in their line of duty.
Disu expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the beneficiaries, recognizing that no amount of financial compensation could ever replace a lost loved one. However, he reiterated that the payment serves as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by the deceased officers and the Force's obligation to provide support to their families. "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 stated.
The IGP urged the beneficiaries to manage the funds wisely, emphasizing the importance of using the money to address critical needs, particularly the education and welfare of the children and other dependents of the deceased officers. He reiterated that the welfare of serving police personnel and their families remains a priority for his administration. Disu stated, "An institution that demands courage, discipline, loyalty, and sacrifice from its officers must also take responsibility for their wellbeing."
In his address, Disu also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions of police personnel, which include access to healthcare, accommodation, and other legitimate benefits. He commended the insurance companies and partners collaborating with the police on the implementation of the insurance scheme, urging them to ensure that legitimate claims are processed and settled promptly. He stressed that delays in processing claims could have dire consequences for families who have lost their primary source of income.
"For families who have lost their breadwinners, insurance can be a vital lifeline. Timely settlement therefore has a direct bearing on the welfare and stability of these families," Disu remarked.
Furthermore, the IGP disclosed that the Force Insurance Unit has intensified efforts to educate serving personnel on the insurance schemes and benefits available to them. In the past two months, the unit has visited six police commands and over 50 divisions and formations across the Federal Capital Territory as part of a sensitization campaign. This initiative aims to ensure that serving officers and their families are well-informed about their insurance coverage, the benefits available to them, and the procedures for accessing their entitlements.
Disu emphasized that greater awareness among personnel is crucial to prevent situations where legitimate benefits are delayed or left unclaimed due to a lack of understanding of the applicable procedures. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to strengthen its welfare mechanisms, ensuring that the sacrifices of police personnel are matched by appropriate institutional support for them and their families.
The recent payment of N2.3 billion is not only a financial intervention but also a demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to honoring the memory of officers who have died in service and providing necessary support to the families they left behind. As the country continues to grapple with security challenges, the role of the police remains vital, and ensuring the welfare of their families is an essential part of maintaining morale and commitment within the Force.