The Nigeria Police Force has paid N2.317bn in insurance and welfare benefits to 2,971 beneficiaries and next-of-kin of police officers who died while serving the country.

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, presented cheques to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Abuja, describing the payment as a fulfilment of the institution’s responsibility to families of officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

The beneficiaries covered several insurance policy years, including 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.

The total amount paid was N2,317,177,094, including outstanding balances recovered from insurance companies after earlier partial settlements.

Disu said the payments represented legitimate entitlements arising from the sacrifices of police officers who lost their lives while protecting lives and property across the country.

He said the financial support could not replace the loved ones the families had lost but represented the Nigeria Police Force’s institutional responsibility towards them.

The IGP noted that the country’s security environment remained challenging, with police personnel continuing to face serious risks during operations and attacks.

He recalled the deaths of officers in incidents including the attack at Buni-Yadi in Yobe State, the death of members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit during a rescue operation in Zamfara State, and the recent ambush in Kebbi State in which 10 police personnel were killed.

According to Disu, the sacrifices of the deceased officers should remind the nation of the risks faced by security personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He also expressed sympathy to the families and urged the beneficiaries to use the money responsibly, particularly for the education and welfare of the children and dependants left behind.

The Inspector-General said the welfare of serving police officers remained a priority of his administration, adding that efforts would continue to improve their working conditions, healthcare, accommodation and other legitimate benefits.

He also commended the insurance companies working with the Police Force and urged them to settle claims promptly.

Disu described insurance payments as an important lifeline for families who lose their breadwinners, stressing that delays in settling claims could worsen the difficulties faced by such families.

As part of efforts to improve awareness among serving personnel, the IGP disclosed that the Force Insurance Unit had visited six commands and more than 50 divisions and formations within the Federal Capital Territory in the past two months.

The sensitisation exercise was aimed at educating officers and their families on available insurance benefits and the procedures for accessing their entitlements.

The latest payment covers insurance obligations accumulated over several policy years and is part of efforts by the Police Force to address outstanding welfare commitments to families of deceased personnel.

The development is expected to provide financial relief to thousands of beneficiaries while reinforcing the need for timely payment of insurance benefits to families of officers who die in active service.