The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disbursed over N1 billion to families and next of kin of personnel who died in active service across the country.

The commandant general of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, made this known on Monday during a working visit to the Ondo State command headquarters in Akure, the state capital.

Mr Audi explained that the payment, which also covers officers who suffered permanent disabilities during operations, was part of the federal government’s welfare package under the insurance benefit scheme for security personnel.

“One of the strategies under the government’s welfare packages is the payment of insurance benefits to personnel. So far, within the span of two to three years, the government has paid over N1 billion to our staff who were involved in various operational activities across the country,” Mr Audi stated.

He added that the initiative represents a marked improvement over past practices and serves as a strong motivation for officers to remain committed to their duties in protecting lives, property, and critical national assets.

“Unfortunately, some of them lost their lives, while others sustained injuries resulting in the loss of one or more limbs.

“In a bid to compensate them and their families, the government approved these funds, which are disbursed to the next of kin of deceased personnel as well as to surviving officers, depending on their ranks,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the commandant general paid a courtesy visit to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, during which he commended the governor for his sustained support for the state’s security agencies.

Mr Audi noted that Ondo remains one of the few states providing strong operational backing to the corps.

“I can say that just like your predecessor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, you are one of the few governors in Nigeria identified as giving tremendous support to our operations.

“You have demonstrated exceptional leadership, and we will continue to support your government in ensuring adequate security for the people of Ondo State,” he said.

Responding, Mr Aiyedatiwa praised the NSCDC for its commitment to internal security and acknowledged that while Ondo has faced its share of security challenges, the combined efforts of security agencies have kept the state relatively stable.

“No state is completely immune from threats, but our security agencies have been up to the task. The recently leaked intelligence report between agencies shows that our security apparatus is working collaboratively to protect our communities and our people,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies through logistics, intelligence, and operational aid.

Mr Aiyedatiwa recently convened an emergency high-level state security council meeting to review the security situation and reaffirm the government’s readiness to tackle emerging threats.

“The security and stability of Ondo State are non-negotiable. We will respond swiftly, firmly, and effectively to any attempt to undermine the peace of the state,” the governor declared.