The Nigeria Police Force in Katsina State distributed welfare cheques amounting to ₦13,353,589.45 to 32 families of deceased officers on Thursday. The presentation, held at the Command Headquarters in Katsina, was part of the 2026 National Police Day activities themed "Community Partnership: Building Trust". Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage handed over the cheques from the Inspector General of Police's welfare package, praising the fallen officers for their dedication and sacrifice. He confirmed that 40 cheques were received from the IGP, with 32 distributed during the event and the rest expected to follow.
Fage highlighted recent community initiatives by the command, including a sanitation exercise at Katsina Central Motor Park, medical outreach programmes, and distribution of mosquito nets and medications at the Emir's Palace. Public enlightenment campaigns on drug abuse, traffic rules, and electoral offences were also conducted. He pledged improvements to the current welfare package under the present administration and invited greater media engagement to report on police activities and complaints. One beneficiary, Mrs Zainab Bishir, mother of seven and widow of a deceased officer, expressed gratitude and said the funds would be invested in a business to support her children.
A one-time payout to families of dead officers does little to fix systemic risks in police work. CP Fage's promise to "rejig" welfare under the current regime rings hollow without a clear plan or timeline. If the police leadership were serious about protection, they would start with better gear and insurance, not cheques after death. This gesture is symbolism, not security.
