Families of 2,971 Fallen Police Officers Receive N2.3 Billion in Benefits

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has successfully disbursed a total of N2.317 billion in insurance and welfare packages to 2,971 individuals identified as beneficiaries and next-of-kin of police officers who lost their lives while serving the nation.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, personally handed over the cheques to the deserving recipients during a ceremony held on Thursday in Abuja. According to the IGP, these payments encompass beneficiaries from various insurance policy years, specifically covering 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2024/2025.

Disu clarified that the exact amount paid was N2,317,177,094, a figure that also includes outstanding balances successfully recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements. He underscored that these payments represent legitimate entitlements, directly stemming from the profound sacrifices made by police officers who died in the line of duty.

Addressing the gathering, IGP Disu stated, "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."

He acknowledged the persistent challenges within the security landscape, noting the significant loss of police personnel in various attacks and operational engagements nationwide. The IGP specifically cited the officers killed at Buni-Yadi in Yobe State, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who perished during a rescue mission in Zamfara State, and the 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 remarked.

The IGP conveyed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, stressing that while the financial benefits cannot replace their loved ones, they signify the institutional responsibility owed to them. "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," Disu added.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely, particularly for the education and general welfare of the children and other dependants left behind. Disu affirmed that the welfare of police personnel remains a top priority for his administration, pledging continuous efforts to enhance working conditions, healthcare provisions, accommodation, and other legitimate entitlements for 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 asserted. He further commended the Force's insurance partners, appealing to them to ensure prompt settlement of claims, describing insurance benefits as a critical lifeline for families who have lost their primary 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 concluded. Disu also revealed that, over the past two months, the Force Insurance Unit has conducted sensitization visits to six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory. These visits aim to ensure that serving officers and their families are fully aware of the procedures for accessing available insurance benefits and entitlements.