By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the welfare of its personnel and the families of officers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, as the Force presented cheques worth N184,889,087 to beneficiaries of its Group Life Assurance Scheme.
The cheques were presented on Thursday to sixteen beneficiaries and next-of-kin of police officers who died while serving the nation. The Inspector-General of Police was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Mohammed Abdul Suleiman.
Speaking on behalf of the IGP, DIG Suleiman described the occasion as both a solemn moment of remembrance and a day to honour the courage and sacrifices of the fallen officers.
“Today is a day of honour and solemn reflection. We gather not just as a Force but as a family to recognise the courage, sacrifice and ultimate price paid by some of our finest officers who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” he said.
He noted that the fallen officers exemplified bravery and dedication, standing firm in the face of danger to protect innocent citizens and maintain law and order.
“These were not ordinary men. They were officers who stood in the face of danger, confronted violence, and placed themselves between chaos and the safety of innocent Nigerians. They did not retreat. They did not abandon their duty. They stood their ground so that others may live, so that communities may sleep and so that law and order may prevail over fear,” he stated.
The police chief acknowledged that no compensation could ever truly replace the lives lost but said the insurance payout was a symbol of the institution’s enduring recognition of their sacrifices.
“The presentation of these cheques today, amounting to one hundred and eighty-four million, eight hundred and eighty-nine thousand, eighty-seven naira, is not and can never be payment for a life lost. Rather, it is a symbol that the institution they served remembers, that their sacrifice is valued, and that we remain committed to standing by those they left behind,” he said.
Addressing the families of the fallen officers present at the ceremony, the IGP expressed deep sympathy and assured them that the Force would continue to support them.
“To the families gathered here today, we see your pain, we acknowledge your loss and we honour your strength. You have lost husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, but beyond that, you have lost heroes. On behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, I assure you that you are not alone and you will never be forgotten,” he added.
The police leadership also used the occasion to reflect on the need to strengthen welfare and support systems for serving officers, noting that those who protect the nation must themselves be adequately protected and supported.
“This moment calls us as a leadership and as a Force to reflect. We must continue to do more to protect those who protect others. We must strengthen welfare, improve support systems and ensure that no officer of the Nigeria Police Force ever feels abandoned whether in service or in sacrifice,” the message stated.
The IGP also acknowledged injured officers who were among the beneficiaries, commending their courage and resilience in the face of the physical and emotional toll of service.
“Your courage is not lost on us. You have borne the physical and emotional cost of service to this nation, and we recognise your sacrifice with deep respect. Your resilience is a testament to the strength and spirit of the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
He further urged officers still in active service to remain steadfast in their commitment to duty, describing the police uniform as a symbol of honour, sacrifice and responsibility.
“Let this moment remind us all of the true meaning of this uniform. It is a call to duty, a call to sacrifice and a call to honour. Your service is seen, your courage is valued, and your commitment to this nation remains noble and indispensable,” he added.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen officers and renewed assurances of the Force’s dedication to building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
