The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has disbursed over ₦2.4 billion to families of deceased officers, in a move that underscores renewed institutional focus on welfare and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
At a solemn ceremony held at the Force Headquarters Abuja on Wednesday,18 March the police chief presented cheques to 1,075 beneficiaries under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.
The total payout-₦2,435,421,584.11-covers multiple policy years spanning 2018 to 2026, including long-standing claims recovered from previous insurance backlogs. The scale of the disbursement reflects what officials described as a deliberate push to resolve inherited liabilities and restore confidence in the Force’s welfare architecture.
Force Insurance Officer, Lydia Ameh, said the exercise signals a turning point in claims administration, citing stricter enforcement of compliance among insurers and improved internal processes. She added that the reforms are designed to eliminate delays, enhance transparency, and ensure that beneficiaries receive entitlements without bureaucratic setbacks.
Speaking at the event, Disu framed the initiative as both symbolic and practical-an acknowledgement of sacrifice and a reaffirmation of duty. He noted that beyond the financial relief, the gesture represents an enduring institutional promise to stand by the families of officers who died in service.
“The welfare of our personnel is not negotiable,” the IGP said, pledging to deepen reforms through technology-driven systems that will streamline claims processing and reinforce accountability.
Analysts view the development as part of a broader effort to reposition the police institution amid persistent concerns over morale, operational risk, and delayed benefits. By clearing arrears and committing to systemic improvements, the leadership appears intent on rebuilding trust within the ranks while signalling responsiveness to long-standing welfare grievances.
The Force reiterated that the sacrifices of fallen officers remain central to Nigeria’s peace and security framework, adding that sustained investment in personnel welfare is critical to maintaining operational effectiveness and institutional integrity.
