The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has distributed a total of ₦37,280,296.36 to the families of 33 police officers who died in active service.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, presented the cheques on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, during a media briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo on Tuesday. The payment was made under the IGP Family Welfare and Group Life Assurance Schemes, an initiative designed to provide financial support to families of fallen officers.
While commending the Inspector General for his continuous commitment to police welfare, CP Azare noted that the disbursement serves as a strong message that the sacrifices of deceased officers are not in vain.
“The Nigeria Police is relentless in its welfare efforts. This initiative is a token of appreciation for the officers who paid the ultimate price in securing peace and stability in our nation,” Azare stated.
He encouraged the recipients to use the funds prudently and assured that the police would not abandon the families left behind by its personnel.
“We urge beneficiaries to make meaningful use of this support. These fallen heroes will never be forgotten,” he added.
In a related development, CP Azare also hosted the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON), Akwa Ibom State chapter, at the Command Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia. He expressed the command’s readiness to support initiatives that enhance the welfare of retired officers.
Azare commended the association’s peaceful approach in engaging with the police leadership.
“I appreciate your commitment to dialogue. It’s refreshing to see an association adopt non-confrontational means to address challenges. Dialogue opens the door to sustainable solutions,” he said.
He promised the command’s assistance in facilitating the group’s request for land to build a permanent meeting hall and in other areas of mutual interest.
Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Anselem Eyo, expressed appreciation for the command’s operational achievements and pledged the retired officers’ willingness to support ongoing security efforts.
“We are happy with the work being done by the command and are ready to contribute through experience-sharing and collaboration,” Eyo stated.
