Police Pay N2.3bn Insurance Benefits To 2,971 Families Of Fallen Officers

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has presented insurance and welfare benefits totalling N2.317 billion to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of police officers who died in active service.

The inspector-general of police, IGP Olatunji Disu made the presentation on Thursday in Abuja under the Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.

The payments cover the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.

According to Disu, the total amount of N2,317,177,094 includes outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements, as well as claims from insurers that had remained unpaid for years.

He said the exercise was not merely about presenting cheques but about honouring the memory of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and reaffirming the Force’s commitment to their families.

He also 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.”

Disu noted that every officer represented at the ceremony had been a member of a family before joining the police, describing them as fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters who accepted the responsibility of serving the nation despite the risks associated with policing.

He recalled the recent loss of police personnel in various operations across the country, including officers attacked at Buni-Yadi in Yobe State, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit killed in Zamfara State during a rescue mission, and 10 personnel who were ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State.

The IGP said the sacrifices of the fallen officers underscored the dangerous nature of policing and the heavy burden borne by their families following their deaths.

Disu urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly for sustainable needs such as the education and welfare of children and other dependants left behind.

Earlier, the head of the Force Insurance Unit, ACP Lydia Amen commended IGP Disu for what it described as his people-centred leadership and commitment to personnel welfare.

She said the payment to the 2,971 beneficiaries reflected efforts by the IGP’s administration to pursue outstanding insurance claims and fulfil obligations to families of deceased personnel.

The unit pledged to continue strengthening the police insurance system, improving claims administration, pursuing outstanding obligations and protecting the interests of serving personnel and their families.