Families of 13 deceased officers receive N8m from Anambra Police

Thirteen families of police personnel who lost their lives in active service have received financial support from the Anambra State Police Command, with a total of N8 million disbursed in cheques.

The presentation was made on Friday by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, during the command’s monthly meeting held at the Police Headquarters in Awka.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the beneficiaries included the relatives of an Inspector who was tragically killed by a “friendly force” at a police observation point along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, near Danaks Fuel Station, as well as 12 other officers who died in the line of duty.

Ikenga explained that the financial assistance was part of the Group Life Assurance and the IGP Family Welfare Schemes — initiatives of the Inspector-General of Police designed to support the families of officers who die while serving the nation.

The statement read in part: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, today, June 28, 2025, during the command’s monthly meeting at the CP’s Conference Hall of the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters, honoured officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Those honoured include an Inspector who was mistakenly fatally shot by a friendly force at a Police Observation Point along Onitsha Owerri Expressway by Danaks Fuel Station and 12 others.

“Consequently, the CP presented cheques worth over N8,000,000 to 13 families of the late police officers under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Schemes.”

He emphasized that the programme not only provides a lifeline to bereaved families but also reinforces the Police Force’s dedication to the welfare of its personnel.

“The gesture is an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at providing succour to the families of police officers who died in active service,” the statement added.

“It is also aimed at spurring officers to greater commitment while discharging their statutory duties, with the assurance that their welfare is of paramount importance to the Force’s leadership.”

While addressing the beneficiaries, CP Orutugu expressed gratitude to the IGP for his continued commitment to personnel welfare and encouraged the families to make prudent use of the funds.

“The CP, while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, thanked the Inspector-General of Police for his relentless efforts towards ensuring a good welfare package for personnel of the Force.”

According to him, the CP urged the beneficiaries to use the money wisely by investing in a profitable venture that will, in turn, alleviate the needs of the dependents left behind.

The meeting also served as a platform for reviewing security reports from Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, with a focus on strengthening operations across the state.

“Also, during the meeting, the CP took a brief of the security updates from the respective Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers of their respective areas of responsibility and charted new measures to improve security and safety in the State.

“The CP charged the officers to enhance their efforts in maintaining law and order,” he said.

Participants also received briefings from key stakeholders, including representatives from an insurance firm, officers overseeing the Police National Housing Fund and pension matters, and ACP Anietie Eyoh, who spoke on operational strategies.