Police pay N2.3bn insurance claims to families of 2,971 fallen officers

The Nigeria Police Force has released ₦2.32 billion in insurance benefits to the families and next of kin of 2,971 officers who died while serving the country.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, describing the payment as part of the institution’s responsibility to support families whose loved ones died in the line of duty.

Disu said the exercise was intended not only to settle outstanding insurance claims but also to recognise the sacrifices made by police personnel who lost their lives protecting Nigerians.

He said the officers being honoured were members of families who had personal responsibilities and aspirations before choosing a career that exposed them to significant risks.

According to him, the N2,317,177,094 payment covers outstanding claims from insurance policy periods between 2017 and 2025 under the Group Life Assurance Scheme, Group Personal Accident Scheme and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme.

The amount, he added, also includes funds recovered from insurance companies following earlier partial settlements.

Addressing the beneficiaries, particularly widows and orphans, the IGP acknowledged that financial compensation could not make up for the loss of a spouse, parent or other loved one.

He assured them, however, that the police would continue to recognise its responsibility toward the families of personnel who paid the ultimate price in service.

Disu said recent attacks that claimed the lives of police personnel demonstrated the risks confronting officers in the discharge of their duties.

He cited the deaths of tactical officers who were ambushed in Kebbi State, Explosive Ordnance Disposal operatives killed during a rescue operation in Zamfara State and officers attacked in Bunza, Yobe State.

According to the IGP, such incidents highlight the courage required of police officers operating in an increasingly challenging security environment.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the insurance payments responsibly, particularly by investing in the education, welfare and long-term wellbeing of children left behind by the deceased officers.

Disu also directed the Force Insurance Unit to step up awareness campaigns across police commands and formations so that serving officers and their families would have a clearer understanding of their insurance benefits.

He further called on insurance companies handling police policies to process claims with greater sensitivity, stressing that such payments provide vital support to families that lose their breadwinners while serving the country.