Police Pay N2.3bn to Families of Fallen Officers
By Victor Idajili
The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317 billion in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of officers who died in service.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, presented the cheques on Thursday in Abuja.
The payments cover outstanding claims from the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years. According to Disu, the total amount is N2,317,177,094 and includes balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.
He described the payments as legitimate entitlements owed to families who lost loved ones 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,” Disu said.
“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 noted that policing in Nigeria remains dangerous, with officers killed in different parts of the country. He cited those killed in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State; members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died on a rescue mission in Zamfara; 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. Their families continue to bear the greatest burden of their absence, and we must never lose sight of that reality,” he said.
While sympathizing with the families, Disu said no amount of money could replace the officers lost, but the payments were a practical way for the institution to show appreciation and fulfill its responsibility.
“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.
He urged beneficiaries to use the money wisely, especially for the education and upkeep of children and dependents left behind.
Disu also reiterated that personnel welfare remains a priority under his leadership, with ongoing efforts to improve working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other entitlements for officers and their families.
“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.
He called on the Force’s insurance partners to ensure claims are settled quickly, noting that insurance benefits are critical for families who have lost their breadwinners.
“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,” he added.
The IGP disclosed that the Force Insurance Unit has in the last two months visited six commands and over 50 divisions and formations within the FCT to educate personnel on how to access their insurance benefits.
The sensitization, he said, is to ensure serving officers and their families understand the processes for claiming entitlements.
