By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigeria Police Force has paid ₦2.3 billion in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of officers who died in service.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, presented the cheques on Thursday in Abuja.
The total payout stands at ₦2,317,177,094 and covers insurance policy years from 2017/2018 to 2024/2025.
The payments were made under the Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident and IGP Family Welfare schemes.
Disu said some of the money represented outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after beneficiaries had earlier received partial settlements.
He described the payments as legitimate entitlements owed to families of police officers who paid the ultimate price in service.
The IGP said the police would not abandon the families of fallen personnel, urging beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, particularly for their children’s education, welfare and other sustainable needs.
The latest intervention comes against the backdrop of recent losses suffered by the force in security operations.
Disu recalled the death of police personnel attacked at Buni-Yadi in Yobe State, officers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit killed in Zamfara during a rescue mission, and 10 personnel ambushed and killed in Kebbi State.
He said the sacrifices of the officers underscored the need for the force to protect the welfare of personnel and their families.
The IGP also urged insurance companies partnering with the police to honour their obligations promptly, stressing that delays in settling claims can worsen the hardship faced by families after losing their breadwinners.
He said his administration was prioritising police welfare, including better working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and access to legitimate benefits.
Disu disclosed that the Force Insurance Unit had, within two months, visited six police commands and more than 50 divisions and formations in the Federal Capital Territory to sensitise personnel about their insurance benefits.
He directed the unit to strengthen claims administration, pursue outstanding obligations and ensure personnel and their families receive the benefits due to them.
The IGP said the police would continue to work with insurance partners to ensure that officers and their families are adequately protected under the various welfare and insurance schemes.
