The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317bn in insurance and welfare benefits to the families and next-of-kin of 2,971 deceased police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while presenting cheques to beneficiaries covering several outstanding insurance policy years.
According to Disu, the payments amounted to exactly N2,317,177,094 and covered the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.
He said the amount also included outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.
The disclosure raises questions about the delays in settling insurance claims owed to families of police officers who died in active service, particularly as some of the benefits relate to policy years dating back several years.
Disu, while presenting the cheques, said the beneficiaries were receiving legitimate entitlements arising from the deaths and sacrifices of the officers.
“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,” he said.
The IGP acknowledged that the police had continued to lose personnel during attacks and operations across the country, citing the deaths of officers in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit killed during a rescue operation in Zamfara State, and 10 personnel recently ambushed and killed in Kebbi State.
He said the financial payments could not compensate families for the loss of their relatives but represented an obligation of the police institution to the dependants of deceased 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,” Disu said.
The IGP urged the beneficiaries to use the money for the welfare of their families, particularly the education and upkeep of children and other dependants left behind by the deceased officers.
He also called on insurance companies working with the police to ensure faster settlement of claims, describing insurance payments as an important source of support for families that have lost their breadwinners.
“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.
Disu further disclosed that the Force Insurance Unit had visited six police commands and more than 50 divisions and formations in the Federal Capital Territory over the past two months to sensitise serving personnel and their families on insurance benefits and the procedures for accessing them.
The IGP said the welfare of police personnel and their families remained a priority of his administration, including improved working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and access to other entitlements.
The payment comes amid longstanding concerns over the welfare of Nigerian police personnel and the support available to families of officers killed or incapacitated in the line of duty.
