Yemi Obafemi
The Nigeria Police Force has paid ₦2.32 billion in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of police officers who died in the line of duty.
The cheques, totalling ₦2,317,177,094, were presented by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Thursday in Abuja under the Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.
The payment covers beneficiaries linked to the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years, including outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.
Disu said the payment was part of the Force’s responsibility to families of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Nigeria.
He acknowledged that no financial compensation could replace a lost family member but said the benefits would provide practical support to families affected by the loss of their breadwinners.
The IGP said welfare remained a priority of his administration, with efforts focused on improving working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other legitimate benefits for police personnel and their families.
He also directed the Force Insurance Unit to intensify awareness campaigns across police commands and formations so officers and their families would have a better understanding of their insurance benefits and how to access them.
The Force Insurance Officer, ACP Lydia Ameh, commended Disu for supporting efforts to resolve outstanding insurance claims and improve access to benefits.
Disu further urged insurance companies partnering with the Force to process and settle legitimate claims promptly, stressing that timely payments could provide critical support to families who lose their breadwinners.
