From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector General of Police(IGP), Usman Baba, has presented a check of N13Billion to police officers killed while on duty between 2012-2020.
The amount also covers personnel who sustained injuries between 2012-2020, while carrying out their duties and have suffered from disabilities
A total of 6,128, families of deceased personnel and injured police officers are expected to benefit from the money.
Presenting the cheques ranging from about N6million to N500,000, to the beneficiaries at the force headquarters in Abuja, the IGP,
said the amount totaling N13.628 billion, Is the backlog of payment for 6,184, personnel that had previously fallen under the uninsured/uncovered periods of Group Life Assurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, between 2012 – 2020.
The IGP, while sympathizing with the families of the deceased Officers over the loss of their breadwinners, urged them to utilize funds judiciously in training their children, and assured them that the police under his leadership will continue to do more in advancing their welfare interests and that of serving personnel.
The IGP, who charged serving police officers to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation, said unlike in the past, the Federal Government have shown much faith and committed so much resources to reform the Police, enhance, welfare and close operational gaps.
Speaking on the Group Life Assurance Scheme which he said was introduced as a result of the Pension Reform Act 2004 and amended in 2014 l, the IGP, noted that It should be noted, that the Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme are welfare packages fully funded by the Federal Government for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. However, he said “due to paucity of funds, the Federal Government could not fund the schemes successfully and this created gaps which led to a backlog of unpaid insurance claims from 2012 to 2020.
“On my assumption in office in April 2021, my attention was drawn to this development. Consequently, an urgent representation was made to Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari requesting for the release of funds to enable us pay all outstanding claims to the families of deceased Police Officers.
“It was with great relief that Mr. President appreciated my representation and graciously approved the release of the sum of thirteen billion, six hundred and twenty-eight million, five hundred and thirty-five thousand, five hundred and eighty Naira (13,628,535,580.00k) to pay the backlog of a total of six thousand one hundred and eighty-four (6,184) personnel that had previously fallen under the uninsured/uncovered periods of Group Life Assurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, covering from Year 2012 – 2020”.