IGP Tunji Disu says payments cover outstanding claims from six insurance policy years as Force pledges stronger welfare support for personnel and their families.

The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317 billion in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers, as part of efforts to support families of personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, presented cheques to the beneficiaries in Abuja, covering outstanding entitlements from the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.

The total payment amounted to N2,317,177,094, including balances recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements.

Disu said the payments represented legitimate entitlements arising from the sacrifices of officers who died while serving the country, stressing that the Police Force would not abandon their families.

The IGP expressed sympathy to the beneficiaries, acknowledging that no financial compensation could replace their loved ones. However, he described the payments as an institutional responsibility owed to families of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

He said the intervention was particularly significant given Nigeria’s challenging security environment, which has continued to expose police personnel to serious risks during operations and attacks.

Disu recalled the deaths of police officers 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 referenced the recent ambush in Kebbi State, where 10 police personnel were killed.

The IGP urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, particularly for the education, healthcare and general welfare of children and other dependants left behind by the deceased officers.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel, including their working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other legitimate benefits.

Disu called on insurance partners to ensure that claims are processed and settled promptly, stressing the importance of timely support for families facing financial difficulties following the death of a police officer.

The IGP 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.

According to him, the visits were aimed at educating police personnel about their insurance coverage and ensuring that officers and their families understand the procedures for accessing available benefits when claims become due.

The initiative, he said, would help improve awareness of police insurance schemes and reduce delays in the payment of legitimate claims to beneficiaries.