The Nigeria Police Force has disbursed N2.317bn in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Abuja.
Disu said the payments covered the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.
According to him, a total of N2,317,177,094 was paid, including outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.
The IGP described the payments as legitimate entitlements arising from the sacrifices of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“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.
“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.
He noted that the country’s security environment remained challenging, with several police personnel killed during attacks and operations across the country.
The IGP recalled officers killed in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, as well as members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue mission in Zamfara State.
He also cited the 10 police 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 said.
Disu expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased officers, acknowledging that the financial benefits could not replace their loved ones but represented 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,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly to support the education and welfare of the children and dependants left behind.
