Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Nigeria Police Force has disbursed exactly N2,317,177,094.00 in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased police officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, presented the cheques to the grieving families on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The payouts cover multiple backlog periods, spanning the 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2024/2025 insurance policy years.
Disu explained that the total amount included vital outstanding balances successfully recovered from insurance firms following previous partial settlements.
“Today, I am pleased to present benefits to 2,971beneficiaries and next-of-kin of deceased Police Officers amounting to N2,317,177,094.00,” the IGP announced. “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.”
Acknowledging the country’s highly challenging security environment, Disu noted that the police force has lost several personnel to violent attacks and tactical operations nationwide.
He specifically paid tribute to the brave officers killed at Buni-Yadi in Yobe State, members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit who lost their lives during a rescue mission in Zamfara State, and 10 personnel who were recently ambushed and killed during an operation in Kebbi State.
“Their courage reminds us of the demands of policing and the price our personnel sometimes pay to protect the lives and property of others. Their families continue to bear the greatest burden of their absence, and we must never lose sight of that reality,” Disu stated.
While offering his deepest sympathies, the IGP emphasised that although the funds cannot replace the lives of their loved ones, they represent a critical institutional duty.
“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,” he said.
The police boss strongly urged the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously, advising them to prioritize the education and general welfare of the children and dependants left behind.
He reaffirmed that personnel welfare remains a core focus of his leadership, promising continuous upgrades to working conditions, healthcare, housing, and other legitimate entitlements.
“I have consistently maintained that 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,” the IGP remarked.
Disu also commended the Force’s insurance partners but tasked them with accelerating the speed of claims processing, describing the payouts as an essential safety net.
“For families who have lost their breadwinners, they can be a vital lifeline. Timely settlement therefore has a direct bearing on the welfare and stability of these families,” he added.
To ensure better awareness moving forward, Disu revealed that the Force Insurance Unit has aggressively toured six commands and over 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory over the last two months.
This sensitisation drive aims to ensure that active serving officers and their families fully understand the official procedures required to smoothly access their insurance benefits and entitlements.
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