Police pay N2.3bn to families of 2,971 deceased officers

The Nigeria Police Force has disbursed a total of N2.317 billion to 2,971 beneficiaries and their next-of-kin, representing compensation and welfare benefits for deceased police officers. Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu presented the checks to the beneficiaries in Abuja on Thursday. The payments covered the insurance policy years of 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023, as well as outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies.

Disu emphasized that the payments were legitimate entitlements for the sacrifices made by police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. He highlighted recent attacks and operations that resulted in the loss of several police personnel, including officers killed in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, during a rescue mission in Zamfara State, and 10 personnel ambushed in Kebbi State.

Disu expressed sympathy for the families of the deceased officers, noting that financial benefits could not replace their loved ones but represented the institution's responsibility towards them. The Force Insurance Unit had recently conducted sensitization visits to six commands and over 50 divisions in the FCT to educate personnel on insurance benefits.

Disu urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, particularly for the education and welfare of children and dependents. He also commended the Force's insurance partners for their timely claim settlements and stressed the importance of insurance benefits as a lifeline for families who have lost their breadwinners.