The Nigeria Police Force has settled insurance and welfare claims worth N2.317bn for the families and beneficiaries of 2,971 police officers who died in the line of duty.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, presented the payments to the affected beneficiaries at an event in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the police authorities, the claims relate to several insurance periods, covering 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.
Disu explained that the total payment of N2,317,177,094 also included outstanding claims recovered from insurance firms where beneficiaries had previously received only part of their entitlements.
He described the payments as benefits legitimately owed to the families of officers who died while carrying out their responsibilities.
“Today, I am pleased to present benefits to 2,971beneficiaries 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 said.
The IGP said police personnel continued to operate under dangerous conditions, with officers regularly exposed to attacks and other threats during security operations.
He cited the deaths of personnel in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue operation in Zamfara, and 10 officers who were recently killed in an ambush 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 expressing sympathy to the families, Disu acknowledged that the financial compensation could not make up for the loss of their relatives. He said the payment was, however, an indication that the police remained committed to supporting families of fallen personnel.
“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 appealed to the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the money, especially towards the upkeep and education of the children and dependants of the deceased officers.
Disu also restated his administration’s focus on improving the conditions of service for police personnel. He said efforts would continue in areas such as healthcare, accommodation, working conditions and other benefits available to officers and their families.
“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,” the IGP said.
He called on insurance companies working with the police to ensure that claims are processed and paid without undue delays, noting the importance of such payments to families who have lost their main providers.
“For families who have lost their breadwinners, they can be a vital lifeline. Timely settlement therefore has a direct bearing on the welfare and stability of these families,” he said.
The police chief further revealed that the Force Insurance Unit had intensified awareness campaigns among serving officers. In the past two months, the unit visited six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the outreach was intended to educate personnel and their families on their insurance coverage, available entitlements and the steps required to access the benefits.