The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317bn in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased officers.
Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Abuja and disclosed that the payments covered insurance policy years from 2017 to 2025.
He put the total payment at exactly N2,317,177,094, including outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.
Disu said the payments represented legitimate entitlements arising from the sacrifices of officers who died in the line of duty.
He said the exercise also demonstrated the police force’s commitment to families who lost their loved ones in service.
“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.
He expressed sympathy to the families, acknowledging that no financial payment could replace their loved ones.
According to him, the benefits represent the institutional responsibility owed to the families and recognition of the sacrifices made by the deceased officers.
The police chief said the security environment remained challenging and had resulted in the loss of several personnel across the country.
He recalled officers killed in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, as well as members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue mission in Zamfara State.
He also cited the 10 police personnel recently ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State.
Disu said the deaths highlighted the risks police officers face while protecting lives and property.
“Their families continue to bear the greatest burden of their absence, and we must never lose sight of that reality,” he said.
Disu urges beneficiaries to use funds wisely
The IGP urged the beneficiaries to use the payments judiciously.
He particularly advised them to prioritise the education and welfare of children and other dependants left behind by the deceased officers.
Disu said the welfare of police personnel remained a priority of his administration.
He promised continued efforts to improve officers’ working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other legitimate benefits.
“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,” he said.
Disu commended the police force’s insurance partners for their role in processing the claims urging insurance companies to settle claims promptly.
The IGP described insurance benefits as a vital lifeline for families that have lost their breadwinners.
