The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317bn in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, presented the cheques to beneficiaries in Abuja on Thursday, covering insurance policy years from 2017/2018 through 2024/2025.
According to Disu, the total payment was N2,317,177,094, including outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.
The IGP said the payments represented legitimate entitlements owed to families of officers who died in the line of duty.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not abandon the families of those who paid the supreme price in our service,” Disu said.
He recalled several officers killed during security operations, including personnel who died in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit killed during a rescue mission in Zamfara State, and 10 police personnel recently ambushed and killed in Kebbi State.
Disu said the deaths highlighted the risks faced by police officers while protecting lives and property across the country.
He expressed sympathy to the families, acknowledging that financial compensation could not replace their loved ones but said the payments reflected the institution’s responsibility to them.
The IGP urged beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, particularly for the education and welfare of children and other dependants left behind.
He also said improving the welfare of serving officers remained a priority, including better working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and access to legitimate benefits.
Disu called on insurance partners to settle claims promptly, describing insurance benefits as an important lifeline for families that had lost their breadwinners.
The Police Force Insurance Unit has also visited six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory in the past two months to educate personnel and their families about available insurance benefits and how to access them.
