The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317 billion in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Abuja, saying the payments covered the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years. He said the total amount of N2,317,177,094 included outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements.
The beneficiaries are families of police officers who died in the line of duty amid persistent security challenges across the country. Disu recalled officers killed in 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.
Disu said the payments could not replace the deceased officers but represented the institutional responsibility owed to their families and urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly for the education and welfare of children and dependants.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving personnel welfare, including working conditions, healthcare and accommodation.
The IGP commended insurance partners and urged prompt settlement of claims, describing the benefits as a vital lifeline for families who have lost their breadwinners.
He added that the Force Insurance Unit had, in the past two months, visited six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations in the Federal Capital Territory to sensitise personnel and their families on accessing insurance benefits and entitlements.
