Nigeria police pay N2.3 billion to families of 2,971 deceased officers

The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317 billion to 2,971 beneficiaries and next of kin of deceased officers, with Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu presenting the cheques in Abuja.

The payments covered the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025 insurance policy years. Disu said the total included outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.

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Beyond the financial value of these cheques, this exercise carries an important message: the Nigeria Police Force will not abandon the families of those who paid the supreme price in our service.

He described the money as legitimate entitlements arising from the sacrifices of officers who died in the line of duty. “Beyond the financial value of these cheques, this exercise carries an important message: the Nigeria Police Force will not abandon the families of those who paid the supreme price in our service,” Disu said.

Disu pointed to the difficult security environment and recalled officers killed in Buni-Yadi, Yobe State, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit who died during a rescue mission in Zamfara State, and 10 personnel ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State. He said the families of fallen officers continued to bear the heaviest burden of their absence.

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No amount of money can replace the loved one you have lost. However, these payments represent the institutional responsibility we owe to you and a practical expression of our appreciation for the sacrifices made by your loved ones.

The inspector-general expressed sympathy to the beneficiaries and acknowledged that no payment could replace the people they had lost. “However, these payments represent the institutional responsibility we owe to you and a practical expression of our appreciation for the sacrifices made by your loved ones,” he said. He urged families to use the money carefully, especially for the education and welfare of children and dependants.

Disu said his administration would continue working to improve police conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other benefits. “An institution that demands courage, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice from its personnel must also demonstrate genuine commitment to their welfare and that of their families,” he said.

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An institution that demands courage, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice from its personnel must also demonstrate genuine commitment to their welfare and that of their families.